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Indiana QB Mendoza Puts Teammates First at Pro Day
Heisman Trophy winner skips NFL Combine to showcase teammates at Indiana's Pro Day
Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:23pm
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Former Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner and projected top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, announced he will skip throwing at the NFL Scouting Combine in order to participate in Indiana's Pro Day and help showcase his teammates' talents. Mendoza cited the quick turnaround from the national championship game as the reason he wants to focus on the Pro Day, where he can throw to the receivers and running backs he played with all season.
Why it matters
Mendoza's decision to prioritize his teammates over his own potential Combine performance highlights his selfless leadership and commitment to the program that helped him achieve individual success. As a projected top draft pick, Mendoza could have easily focused solely on his own Combine preparation, but instead he's putting the needs of his fellow Hoosiers first.
The details
In a recent interview, Mendoza explained that he wants to make sure he gives his Indiana teammates 'the best chance' to showcase their skills at the Pro Day, rather than throwing to unfamiliar receivers at the Combine. Several of Mendoza's teammates, including running back Kaelon Black, had just played in the Senior Bowl, so Mendoza felt it was important to be there to support them at Indiana's Pro Day.
- The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is scheduled for January 19th.
- Indiana's Pro Day will take place after the Combine.
The players
Fernando Mendoza
The former Indiana football quarterback who won the Heisman Trophy and is projected to be the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Kaelon Black
An Indiana football running back who recently played in the Senior Bowl.
Mark Davis
The majority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Tom Brady
The minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and a legendary NFL quarterback.
John Spytek
The general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders.
What they’re saying
“At the combine, you know, you're throwing to different receivers, it's a whole different thing. I want to make sure I give my guys the best chance. So I want to throw at pro day with my guys, with my running backs, and be there with the boys. The combine, I don't think throwing will be a priority just because it's such a quick turnaround.”
— Fernando Mendoza, Former Indiana Quarterback (The Pat McAfee Show)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
Mendoza's decision to prioritize his teammates over his own potential Combine performance highlights his selfless leadership and commitment to the program that helped him achieve individual success. As a projected top draft pick, Mendoza could have easily focused solely on his own Combine preparation, but instead he's putting the needs of his fellow Hoosiers first.
