Why Did Indiana Football’s Fernando Mendoza Earn a Surprising Standing Ovation in Indianapolis?

Fernando Mendoza just strolled into the NFL Combine like a hometown hero stepping back into his old stomping grounds — just an hour from where he grew up playing ball. But here’s the kicker: when he walked into a local steakhouse nearby, the staff literally dropped everything and gave him a standing ovation. Rarely do you see a moment that mixes hometown love with the electricity of a projected No. 1 draft pick so perfectly. How does a guy go from under-the-radar last year to national champ and Combine sensation, all while capturing hearts (and applause) in the city? Mendoza’s rise is the kind of story that makes you wonder — is this just the beginning of something legendary, or is he already there? Either way, the Las Vegas Raiders are watching closely after their meeting with him, and with their offense struggling last season, locking him down next might not just be smart — it could be game-changing. LEARN MORE.

Fernando Mendoza has the NFL Combine buzzing, as the projected No. 1 pick was in the building. The place should be really familiar to him, as he played football just an hour away from where the combine is. That doesn’t mean that he still isn’t getting love in the city, and apparently, he walked into a steakhouse and people went crazy for him.

“Apparently, the staff stopped, put down their plates, put down their jobs, and their server trays, and gave him a standing ovation as he walked in as the Indiana legend,” Peter Schrager said on NFL on ESPN.

"12 months ago I don't know if we would've even thought that Fernando Mendoza would be at the combine, let alone being the number one pick in the draft."

— @PSchrags details Mendoza's meteoric rise pic.twitter.com/APsDdV6UZO

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 27, 2026

This should be no surprise as Mendoza helped lead Indiana to the national championship this year, defeating Miami 27-21.

Now, Mendoza has a chance to become the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, and there’s a really good chance he could be drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders.

“12 months ago I don’t know if we would’ve even thought that Fernando Mendoza would be at the combine, let alone being the number one pick in the draft,” Schrager said.

Mendoza had a formal meeting with the Raiders at the combine, and he spoke about the chance to interact with them.

“It was a fantastic interview,” Mendoza said. “The coaching staff was in there, we went over some of my previous plays, drew some plays on the board. I thought it was a great meeting. I know they have the No. 1 pick, but anything can happen in the draft. I’m just excited for the opportunity, and whatever team drafts me, I’m going to give them everything I got.”

With how the Raiders struggled on offense last season, it would not be a surprise to see them select Mendoza with the No. 1 pick, and they won’t regret it.

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