NEW YORK, NY — Fernando Mendoza took the world of College Football by storm this past season, leading the Indiana Hoosiers on a historic 16-0 undefeated run to capture the program’s first ever national title.
On that January night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, his hometown, where the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner and Indiana defeated the Hurricanes in the College Football National Championship—the Cuban-American quarterback—described the evening as one of the most memorable nights of his 22-year-old life.
But Thursday night, alongside his mother, father, loved ones and friends may have topped it.
And it all was based on one move made by the Las Vegas Raiders shortly after 8:00PM eastern standard time, selecting Mendoza with the number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
From there, the room erupted in excitement as those at Mendoza’s family draft party celebrated the moment together.
“The last five months have been such a blessing by God and I can’t thank him enough,” Mendoza said in an ESPN interview shortly after becoming the third-ever Latino selected No. 1 overall in a NFL Draft, joining Mexican-American quarterbacks Bryce Young (2023 by the Panthers) and Jim Plunkett (1971 by the Patriots).
“I’m just looking forward to getting to work and prove (myself) at the next level. College was fantastic, I’m so blessed to have that career. But now I step into a great game of the NFL, look forward to proving and earning it every single day.”
On joining the Raiders, Mendoza was all smiles, stating “What a great organization. Great legacy, there are so many great teammates I am looking forward to talking to. Coaches, owners, I’m ecstatic for the opportunity.”
For those wondering on why he chose to not attend the NFL Draft in person in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mendoza’s mother Elsa—seated next to him while hearing his name called by NFL’s commissioner Roger Goodell—has multiple sclerosis and is confined to a wheelchair.
During her son’s senior year, she still found the strength to travel to each of Indiana’s games, including the Hoosiers’ playoff games and the national championship.
“Pittsburgh is a great opportunity and great venue, and I’m really excited to see all the guys walk across the stage on Thursday night,” Mendoza said earlier this week. “My mom really wanted to do it at home. It’s a lot easier for us. Especially with the family situation. I’m going to hop on a plane (in) the morning anyways. For that, it will be a lot easier to stay at home.”
Based on his mother’s priceless reaction, it had already shown right then in there that Mendoza made the correct choice.
His next move from here: Las Vegas.
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