Indiana Star QB Mendoza Shines at Pro Day Showcase

Reigning Heisman Trophy winner delivers polished performance in front of all 32 NFL teams

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:10am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football quarterback's throwing motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conveying the raw athleticism and technical precision of the performance.Mendoza's pro day showcase highlighted his NFL-caliber talent and leadership potential as a top quarterback prospect.Bloomington Today

Fernando Mendoza, the former Indiana quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner, turned in another impressive showing at his pro day workout in front of all 32 NFL teams. Mendoza threw roughly 56 passes, showcasing his arm talent and poise under the bright lights. While not flawless, he looked in control throughout the workout, reinforcing his status as a potential top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Why it matters

Mendoza's pro day performance is a significant event as he looks to solidify his draft stock leading up to the NFL Draft. As one of the top quarterback prospects, his ability to handle the spotlight and demonstrate his skills in front of all 32 teams is crucial for his draft positioning and future professional prospects.

The details

Mendoza, who arrived at the workout weighing 236 pounds, noticeably bigger than his listed playing weight, looked physically ready for the next level. He worked through short, intermediate and deep routes, attacking both sidelines and the middle of the field. While not perfect, Mendoza's command of the workout and ability to make NFL-style throws under pressure impressed the scouts in attendance.

  • Mendoza's pro day took place on Wednesday, April 3, 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin later this month.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The former Indiana quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner, who is expected to be a top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Tom Brady

The legendary NFL quarterback, who was present for Indiana's national championship game appearance and has a connection to the Raiders, a team that has met with Mendoza multiple times.

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What they’re saying

“At this stage, perfection is not the question. Projection is.”

— Jeremy Giggy, Sports Director, White River Broadcasting

What’s next

Mendoza will continue to meet with NFL teams leading up to the draft, and the Raiders' interest in him as a potential top pick will be a key storyline to follow.

The takeaway

Mendoza's pro day performance reinforced his status as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. His combination of physical tools, poise under pressure, and leadership qualities make him an intriguing option for teams in need of a franchise quarterback.