College football is preparing to lose star quarterback Fernando Mendoza to the 2026 NFL Draft, but Big Ten fans get a final look at the national champion during Wednesday’s Indiana Hoosiers Pro Day.
The Heisman Trophy winner gets to display his talents one final time in front of NFL scouts. Meanwhile, the college football star is about to make a giant career leap to the next level after a massive year with Indiana and head coach Curt Cignetti.
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Mendoza reportedly has drawn all 32 NFL teams to attend the Pro Day ahead of this month’s NFL Draft. However, it’s become a foregone conclusion that the Las Vegas Raiders will build their franchise around the former Indiana star.
One of Fernando Mendoza's final throws during Indiana football's Pro Day, arm strength on full display pic.twitter.com/7jA8yv940u
— Michael Niziolek (@michaelniziolek) April 1, 2026
The Raiders currently hold the number one overall pick after a three-win season in 2025. Meanwhile, Las Vegas co-owner Tom Brady has been spotted around Mendoza over recent months, including when the Hoosiers beat Miami for the College Football Playoff national title.
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Mendoza finished off his collegiate career with a perfect record during his final season. Indiana’s success now puts the veteran college signal caller in a position to become a top player in the NFL.
Below are several major moments from Indiana’s Pro Day and Mendoza highlights that stood out.
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Fernando Mendoza’s top Indiana Pro Day updates
1:28 pm ET – Hoosiers wideout Charlie Becker shows off a t-shirt honoring his former quarterback. Mendoza passes to his Indiana teammate.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza throwing to now former teammate Charlie Becker at #iufb Pro Day.
Becker is wearing a Mendoza T-Shirt with his name and number on the back. pic.twitter.com/x3lOWSYyvg
— Jhett Garrett (@jhettgarrett) April 1, 2026
1:44 pm ET – The Heisman Trophy winner is seen warming up with several short throws. Former Indiana quarterback Chandler Whitmer is helping guide Mendoza through his workout.
Fernando Mendoza still warming up at Pro Day, former IU quarterbacks Chandler Whitmer walking him through various throws pic.twitter.com/HPSuykBIeK
— Michael Niziolek (@michaelniziolek) April 1, 2026
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1:43 pm ET – Mendoza shows off his pre-throwing workout routine, including tossing tennis balls.
Here’s Fernando Mendoza warming up before he throws in front of #NFL teams.
IU Pro Day @WISHNews8 pic.twitter.com/B21YQh7uQ0
— Anthony Calhoun 📺 (@ACwishtv) April 1, 2026
NFL scouts are carefully watching Mendoza’s training habits ahead of his full workout.
Indiana star Fernando Mendoza greets Alabama’s Ty Simpson at the NFL Scouting Combine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
1:45 pm ET – Projected 2026 Indiana starter Josh Hoover starts throwing alongside Mendoza. Hoover is expected to be the full-time quarterback for Indiana. Last season, Hoover played with the TCU Horned Frogs.
Fernando Mendoza throwing in the foreground.
Josh Hoover throwing in the background.
The past and future of #iufb here at Pro Day. pic.twitter.com/gHJsth0hdu
— Ian Plaskoff (@ian_plaskoff) April 1, 2026
2:23 pm ET – ESPN’s Louis Riddick raves about the Indiana star and his ability to become a “franchise-caliber quarterback.”
"He looks, quite honestly, like a presumptive No. 1 overall pick, like a franchise-caliber quarterback."@LRiddickESPN reacts to Fernando Mendoza's Pro Day performance 🏈 pic.twitter.com/N8nqymgBPY
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 1, 2026
2:36 pm ET – Mendoza delivers a downfield dart to EJ Williams and shows off his impressive arm strong.
NEW: Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the throw of the DAY…
Mendoza uncorked this deep ball to EJ Williams.
Absolutely money 😳 pic.twitter.com/AJHDOK8kZx
— College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) April 1, 2026