Indiana teammates praise potential Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza

Hoosiers laud Mendoza's leadership, accuracy and poise ahead of expected NFL draft selection

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A contingent of Indiana Hoosiers who just won the national championship spoke highly of their teammate Fernando Mendoza, the projected top pick of the Las Vegas Raiders, at the NFL combine. Players praised Mendoza's leadership, communication skills, accuracy, and poise under pressure, painting a picture of a well-rounded quarterback who elevated the entire team.

Why it matters

Mendoza's potential selection by the Raiders would be a significant move, as the team looks to solidify its quarterback position after a disappointing season. The glowing reviews from his Indiana teammates provide insight into the type of player and person the Raiders would be getting, which could be crucial as they look to build a winning culture.

The details

Indiana players highlighted Mendoza's ability to quickly and clearly communicate play calls, his preparation and knowledge of the offense, and his accuracy in placing the ball exactly where his receivers needed it. They also praised his toughness, leadership, and positive attitude, even in the face of pressure and adversity. Several players noted Mendoza's underrated running ability and willingness to take hits while still delivering accurate passes.

  • Mendoza and his Indiana teammates participated in the NFL combine last week in Indianapolis.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The projected top pick of the Las Vegas Raiders, Mendoza was the starting quarterback for the national champion Indiana Hoosiers.

D'Angelo Ponds

An Indiana cornerback who said it would be a "blessing" to be drafted by the Raiders and play with Mendoza again.

Pat Coogan

Indiana's starting center, who praised Mendoza's clear and concise communication and preparation.

Omar Cooper Jr.

An Indiana wide receiver who called Mendoza a "great leader" and someone who "loves football" and his teammates.

Elijah Sarratt

Another Indiana wide receiver who described Mendoza as a "dog" who will "continue to get up" no matter how much he gets hit.

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What they’re saying

“A guy who can do it all. He's a smart guy who can break down your coverages, he knows what coverage you're in. He can make any throw, and he's also a mobile guy.”

— D'Angelo Ponds, Cornerback (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

“Very clear and concise, and his ability to get his message across, you know, quickly, concise, was very impressive. And I think that that goes a long way, right? And it only got better from spring ball to fall camp to in season. It starts with his preparation, because he's able to deliver messages that quick, because he knows exactly what he's talking about.”

— Pat Coogan, Center (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

“A great leader, a great down-to-earth guy, someone who loves football as well. And he's going to do whatever it takes to help his team win, and he showcased that this year. He's going to put his body on the line 'cause of how much he loves football and then loves his teammates.”

— Omar Cooper Jr., Wide Receiver (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

“They're going to expect a dog, first of all, no matter what happens to him, no matter how much he gets hit, he's going to continue to get up, man. He's a great guy, as good as a football player he is, he's a better guy, man. And just seeing him throughout the process, winning the highs, making these accolades week in and week out, but continuing to be the same guy.”

— Elijah Sarratt, Wide Receiver (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

“It's great because he always puts the ball exactly where he wants it to be. You've got to get a little bit adjusted to that because you have to figure out where he wants it to be and exactly where he wants you to be.”

— Riley Nowakowski, Tight End (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

What’s next

The Raiders will have the opportunity to select Mendoza with one of their early draft picks, as he is widely projected to be a top selection in the upcoming NFL Draft.

The takeaway

Mendoza's Indiana teammates have provided a glowing review of the quarterback's leadership, talent, and character, painting him as a well-rounded prospect who could be a transformative addition for the Raiders as they look to build a winning culture. The Raiders would be getting a smart, accurate, and tough quarterback who elevates those around him, which could be crucial as the team aims to bounce back from a disappointing season.