Fernando Mendoza capped one of the greatest seasons in college football history just weeks ago, leading Indiana to a 27-21 national championship win over Miami and claiming the Heisman Trophy in a perfect 16-0 season. Now, as the NFL Scouting Combine gets underway in Indianapolis, the projected No. 1 overall pick finds himself at the center of a fresh controversy.
He has nothing to do with this and it’s related to a viral lie that dragged ESPN analyst Ryan Clark into a story he was not a part of.
Ryan Clark Shuts Down Made-Up Racist Quote Tied to Fernando Mendoza’s No-Throw Combine Decision
Mendoza announced he would not throw at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. He explained his thinking during Super Bowl week on The Pat McAfee Show, saying:
“At the combine, you’re throwing to different receivers. It’s a whole different thing. And I want to make sure I give my guys the best chance. I want to… be there with the boys,” Mendozasaid.
He will instead throw at Indiana’s pro day on April 1, working alongside teammates including wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. and tight end Riley Nowakowski.
Ryan Clark Shuts Down Made-Up Racist Quote Tied to Fernando Mendoza's No-Throw Combine Decision
Ryan Clark Shuts Down Made-Up Racist Quote Tied to Fernando Mendoza’s No-Throw Combine Decision (Imagn Image)
What should have been a simple draft story took a very different turn.
On February 22, @AdamFerrellNFLposted a fabricated quote falsely attributed to Clark, reading:
“Well we saw what happened when a black man did that last year. Let’s see what happens when a white man does it.” The post spread fast and drew heavy backlash toward Clark.
Clark fired back hours later, posting on X.
“Bro!! It’s crazy that folks can just make things up. This is so dang fake and false!! Just want to piss people off I see and lessen someone’s voice! I did not say this!! Also Mendoza isn’t… NEVER MIND! Is this dude a real human? Adam Ferrell can’t be a real person just lying!” Clarksaid
Ferrell did not stop there. Heresponded to Clark’s denial by posting an image of Clark labeled “Adam Bomb” with the caption: “Ryan Clark. You have been selected.” In a separate post below, Ferrelladded: “And he wanted to talk about race so bad.”
The exchange drew 5,242 views within hours, turning a false quote into a full public confrontation.
With the fake quote debunked and the exchange going public, all eyes now shift back to Mendoza’s actual draft path and what comes next in Pittsburgh.
Mendoza enters the 2026 NFL Draft as the clear top quarterback prospect after completing 273 of 379 passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions across 16 games in 2025. The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick and are widely expected to select him.
Indiana’s pro day on April 1 in Bloomington is the next step, where NFL scouts will watch Mendozathrow to his own college teammates before the April 23 draft in Pittsburgh.