The Indiana Hoosiers and their quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, had a historic season. They achieved a 16-0 record, marking their second consecutive season with double-digit wins. The team won the Big Ten Championship and secured the national championship for the first time in school history.
Mendoza won the school’s first Heisman Trophy this season, throwing for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns (leads the nation) and six interceptions. He completed 72% of his passes and rushed for 276 yards with seven touchdowns.
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Now that the season has concluded, Mendoza is preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft. CBS Sports has released its first mock draft since the Senior Bowl took place on Saturday. The Senior Bowl provides an excellent opportunity for players to improve or diminish their draft stock based on their performances in front of numerous scouts.
Although Mendoza did not participate in the Senior Bowl, he is still projected to be the No. 1 overall pick, going to the Las Vegas Raiders. This would mark a change for the team, as Geno Smith signed a two-year, $75 million contract before last season.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after scoring a touchdown.Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
“Mendoza is a poised, accurate passer who has plus arm talent, consistently delivering catchable balls on time and in rhythm and excelling on layered second-level routes,” CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson wrote. “He shows NFL-level field vision and coverage recognition, consistently ripping throws with anticipation. While not a true creator, Mendoza navigates collapsing pockets effectively and can make accurate off-platform throws, showing a calm, efficient style reminiscent of Jared Goff.”
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Mendoza capped Indiana’s dream season by cementing himself as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in college football history. Leading the Hoosiers to an undefeated national championship while winning the program’s first Heisman Trophy placed him firmly among the sport’s elite.
Despite not participating in the Senior Bowl, Mendoza’s draft stock remains untouched. CBS Sports’ projection of him as the No. 1 overall pick underscores how highly NFL evaluators value his poise, accuracy and command of the offense. His ability to process defenses and deliver throws with anticipation continues to separate him from the rest of the quarterback class.
If Mendoza does land in Las Vegas, it would signal a significant shift for the Raiders, even after committing major money to Smith. For Indiana, it would be the latest milestone in a historic era, proof that the Hoosiers are no longer just a college football Cinderella story, but a legitimate pipeline for NFL stars.
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Related: Fernando Mendoza Makes Social Media Move After Miami Win
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.