Why Former Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza’s Surprising Pro Day Choice Has Everyone Talking

Ever had a season so spellbinding it redefines what Cinderella stories look like? That’s exactly what Indiana football delivered, storming through to snatch a national championship in Miami—a triumph sculpted by none other than their star quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. This guy didn’t just lead the team; he pocketed the Heisman Trophy and is now the heavy favorite to be the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. But here’s a twist that made me pause: at the NFL Scouting Combine, Mendoza’s choosing to sit out throwing drills. Why? Because he’s got his teammates’ backs, opting instead to shine with them at Indiana’s Pro Day, giving them the spotlight to impress scouts. That’s loyalty in an often cutthroat game—and it’s a choice that’s as intriguing as it is rare. Could this selfless act sway his draft stock? Or maybe it says more about the man beneath the helmet than any spotlight ever could. LEARN MORE.

The Indiana football season is over, and it ended in a magical run to a national championship. The Hoosiers shocked everyone and went on to win a national championship in Miami. They did so thanks in large part to the play of Fernando Mendoza under center, and to the fact that he won the Heisman Trophy and is the favorite to be picked first in the 2026 NFL Draft.

On the most recent episode of “The Pat McAfee Show,” Mendoza was asked what he was going to do at the NFL Scouting Combine. He made sure to say he was going, but he would not throw because he wanted to help his teammates at the Indiana Pro Day. He wanted to help them showcase their talent more than anything else.

Mendoza said, “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. January 19th? I mean, I felt bad. Luckily, I’m in a better position, so I don’t have to throw in the combine, but a lot of our guys, Kaelon Black, just played in the Senior Bowl. That’s a true NFL season.”

It is worth noting how much of an overwhelming favorite Mendoza is to be drafted with the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Raiders majority owner Mark Davis, minority owner Tom Brady, and general manager John Spytek were all on Indiana’s sideline for the No. 1 Hoosiers’ 27-21 victory over No. 10 Miami in the CFP National Championship game.

Pat McAfee also asked Mendoza about the possibility of joining the Raiders and their expected hiring of Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as head coach, but Mendoza remained silent.

Instead, he complimented Kubiak’s development of Sam Darnold and called Brady “a huge football idol of mine.”

The post Former Indiana football QB Fernando Mendoza puts teammates first with pro day decision appeared first on ClutchPoints.