Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza Shines at Pro Day as Potential No. 1 NFL Draft Pick

Mendoza completed 53-of-56 passes in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams as he prepares to be a top selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:24pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a quarterback's throwing motion broken down into overlapping planes of crimson red, cream, and navy blue, capturing the raw athleticism and skill of a potential future NFL star.Mendoza's Pro Day performance showcased his elite talent and potential as a top NFL draft pick.Bloomington Today

After leading Indiana to a national championship, Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza performed strongly at the Hoosiers' Pro Day, completing 53-of-56 passes in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams. Mendoza is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Why it matters

Mendoza's impressive Pro Day showing solidifies his status as the top quarterback prospect in this year's draft class. As the potential No. 1 pick, his performance will be closely watched by NFL teams looking to add a franchise-changing talent at the most important position on the field.

The details

Mendoza took the field at Indiana's Pro Day on April 1 and completed 53-of-56 passes to his Hoosier teammates. He wanted to showcase his abilities and those of his fellow draft-eligible players in front of all 32 NFL teams. Mendoza said the experience of working with his college teammates one last time before entering the NFL was 'very special'.

  • Mendoza performed at Indiana's Pro Day on April 1.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback who led Indiana to a national championship and is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Chandler Whitmer

Mendoza's quarterback coach at Indiana, who returned to the school for Pro Day to work with him one last time before Mendoza enters the NFL.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like it went great. We had nine eligible guys coming out for the draft, which is a lot more than normal. So I believe it was like 54-56 throws, wanted to best showcase our guys.”

— Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback

“Coach Whit has been an amazing mentor and been a huge reason I've developed so much. From when I first got to Indiana to the end, I would not be the same quarterback without him.”

— Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback

What’s next

Mendoza plans to meet with the Las Vegas Raiders again after his strong Pro Day performance. He is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which will take place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

The takeaway

Mendoza's dominant Pro Day showing cements his status as the top quarterback prospect in this year's draft class. His ability to perform at a high level under pressure and his strong relationships with his Indiana teammates make him an appealing option for NFL teams in need of a franchise-changing talent at the QB position.