The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine added to its highlight reel on Friday with a revelation from Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The Heisman Trophy winner and National Champion revealed a bizarre interaction with a franchise that jokingly suggested he get arrested to slide in the draft.
Mendoza, the consensus projected No. 1 overall pick to the Las Vegas Raiders, became the center of conversation in Indianapolis. Because he is the top prize in the 2026 class, teams picking later have no realistic chance of acquiring him unless his draft stock catastrophically plummets.
ESPN Analyst Pours Respect for Fernando Mendoza and 2026 NFL Combine’s Most Fearless Prospects (Via The Herald-Times)
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza (15) an D’Angelo Ponds (5) kiss the trophy after the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Mendoza spoke with CBS Sports reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala shortly before sharing the story.
“Definitely the Jets,” one commented.
Definitely the Jets 🤣🤣
— Andrew✌🏾🇯🇲 (@AaronDrew777) February 27, 2026
“If he gets arrested he’s even more the pick!” another wrote.
If he gets arrested he’s even more the pick! #Raiders https://t.co/ZMDd7WYh9J
— christopher refuerzo (@aka_Rufio) February 28, 2026
“Nooooo not the Raiders,” one commented.
“Jets, Browns, or Dolphins,” a fan commented.
Here are some more reactions from fans on X:
“Or you can just throw on a big chain and think highly of yourself and your abilities . That’ll surely do it,” one wrote.
“You think an arrest wouldn’t make the Raiders draft him even quicker? That’s the only thing they currently think he’s missing,” one wrote.
Read more – “Not Doing That Kid Any Favors”: Fernando Mendoza Gets Blunt Expectations From Raiders GM John Spytek Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
Read more – ‘Sounds Like Justice to Me’: Fans React As Lions CB Terrion Arnold Hats Accused of Kidnapping and Robbery
Fernando Mendoza Pitches Optimism As The Draft’s Top Total Package
Fernando Mendoza has built a pre-draft pitch around a simple claim: No prospect offers a better mindset. He cites his mother’s influence on his perfectionism and his technical preparation as proof of his readiness.
“I got it from my mother. I’m a perfectionist deep at heart… If you want optimistic results, then you need to speak,” Mendoza said on the “NFL on NBC” show with Mike Florio.
Mendoza highlighted player development through a steady pipeline at Indiana under coach Curt Cignetti. He also touted his unique mechanics, specifically a grip similar to Hall of Famer Brett Favre, which he retained despite experimenting with changes.
Nevertheless, Fernando Mendoza’s camp wants to be more than a top prospect; they want to ace the process. He views the Combine, Pro Day, and Top 30 visits as the “most extensive and important interview” of his life.
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Follow me here on Gridiron Heroics and get the latest on the world of NFL and college football. From the drama surrounding Shedeur Sanders, Bill Belichick – Jordon Hudson tea, Brittany Mahomes’ stylish looks to Taylor Swift’s appearances on Chiefs game days, this will be your one-stop shop for all NFL and college football stuff. You can also reach out to Prasen Singh via email at prasensingh272@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news,click here!
Follow me here on Gridiron Heroics and get the latest on the world of NFL and college football. From the drama surrounding Shedeur Sanders, Bill Belichick – Jordon Hudson tea, Brittany Mahomes’ stylish looks to Taylor Swift’s appearances on Chiefs game days, this will be your one-stop shop for all NFL and college football stuff. You can also reach out to Prasen Singh via email at prasensingh272@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news,click here!
Follow me here on Gridiron Heroics and get the latest on the world of NFL and college football. From the drama surrounding Shedeur Sanders, Bill Belichick – Jordon Hudson tea, Brittany Mahomes’ stylish looks to Taylor Swift’s appearances on Chiefs game days, this will be your one-stop shop for all NFL and college football stuff. You can also reach out to Prasen Singh via email at prasensingh272@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news,click here!
Follow me here on Gridiron Heroics and get the latest on the world of NFL and college football. From the drama surrounding Shedeur Sanders, Bill Belichick – Jordon Hudson tea, Brittany Mahomes’ stylish looks to Taylor Swift’s appearances on Chiefs game days, this will be your one-stop shop for all NFL and college football stuff. You can also reach out to Prasen Singh via email at prasensingh272@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news,click here!