Fernando Mendoza is the starting quarterback for No. 1 Indiana football (13-0) and the front-runner for Heisman Trophy, which will be presented Saturday, Dec. 13. The Hoosiers next play Jan. 1 in the Rose Bowl against the winner of the Alabama–Oklahoma game.
Does all that make him the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft? And which team will select him? Opinions vary.
NFL mock draft: Will Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza go No. 1 in 2026 NFL Draft?
Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: No. 2 to Las Vegas Raiders
“Fernando Mendoza was the most pro-ready quarterback coming into the college football season and he has been the most consistent quarterback throughout. As Tom Brady looks for a quarterback who has proven that he can elevate a team in less than optimal situations and is not afraid of big moments, Fernando Mendoza is likely to stand out above the rest.”
Trevor Sikkema, PFF: No. 1 to Rams, via trade with Giants
“The Rams got a gift last year when they traded back with Atlanta and picked up a future first that now sits in the top 10, and there may be no better use of it than going all-in to secure their quarterback of the future. They’d likely need to part with at least their two first-round picks to move up to No. 1.”
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: No. 1 to Browns, in trade with Titans
“Owning two first-rounders in April and having received marginal play under center this season, the Browns have the ammo and motivation to be aggressive quarterback hunters this offseason. Cleveland traded back in last year’s draft to be in position to get its guy in 2026, and neither Dillon Gabriel nor Shedeur Sanders has done anything to change that plan.
“In this scenario, the Browns package both of their 2026 first-rounders (and probably a 2027 Day 2 selection) to Tennessee for rights to the No. 1 pick.”
Luke Easterling, Athlon Sports: No. 2 to Raiders
“There’s plenty of blame to go around when it comes to the Raiders’ offensive struggles, but there’s no denying that Geno Smith hasn’t lived up to offseason expectations. He’s also 35 years old, so the Raiders need both an immediate and long-term upgrade at the game’s most important position. Mendoza has separated himself from the rest of this year’s quarterback class, and checks all the boxes when it comes to projecting a potential franchise passer at the next level.”
Bobby Bishop, Dynasty Nerds: No. 1 to Jets, in trade with Titans
“Could the New York Jets pull off a massive trade up to choose the best (and maybe only) franchise QB in the draft? In my mock trade, they utilize the Sauce Gardner picks to get it done, and they hold onto their own 2027 1st round selection in the process. If the New York Jets are able to execute a deal like this, I believe they will select Fernando Mendoza, the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.”
Lou Scataglia, NFL Spin Zone: No. 4 to Raiders
“The first QB comes off the board at pick four in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders swung a notable trade for Geno Smith in the offseason, and to say it has not worked out would be an understatement. Until Vegas gets serious about the QB position, they’ll continue to circle the drain.”
Matt Johnson, Sportsnaut: No. 4 to Raiders
“In a perfect world, the Las Vegas Raiders would use their top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on an offensive lineman and focus on rebuilding the trenches until they take a stab at a rookie quarterback. However, that’s not a luxury Mark Davis and Tom Brady have. This wouldn’t be an ideal situation for Fernando Mendoza to walk into, but he would have an All-Pro tight end in Brock Bowers and a workhorse running back in Ashton Jeanty. He brings poise, accuracy, and great decision-making to the table immediately, traits that Brady will love. Plus, he’s a multi-year starter and what he’s done this season to make Indiana a national championship contender will prove especially appealing to Las Vegas.”
Who will IU play in the Rose Bowl?
The Hoosiers next play Jan. 1 in the Rose Bowl against the winner of the Alabama–Oklahoma game.
When will the Heisman winner be announced?
The Heisman Trophy ceremony begins at 7 p.m. ET Dec. 13, 2025, at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York.
Where to watch Heisman Trophy presentation
TV: ABC
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Who is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy?
BetMGM.com reports that, based on futures markets, Fernando Mendoza of Indiana has a 98% chance of winning the Heisman Trophy.
When is the 2026 NFL Draft?
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, to Saturday, April 25.
Where is the 2026 NFL Draft?
The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh.
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