Fernando Mendoza will not travel to Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL Draft. The star quarterback told league officials he plans to stay in Miami. He wants to celebrate with family.
This decision marks a rare shift for top prospects. Mendoza is the projected first pick for the Las Vegas Raiders. He dominated college football last season with 16 wins and zero losses.
Las Vegas Raiders, Fernando Mendoza, NFL Draft
Fernando Mendoza participates in Indiana University’s Pro Day at Mellencamp Pavilion on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
The Indiana icon also secured the Heisman Trophy during his historic 2025 run. He led the Hoosiers to their first national title. Now he prefers a private draft experience at home.
History shows this path is uncommon for elite passers. The last top quarterback to skip the green room wasTrevor Lawrence. The Jacksonville Jaguars took Lawrence first overall in 2021.
Lawrence stayed at Clemson with his friends and family five years ago. He watched the Cleveland event on television. Mendoza is now following that same specific blueprint for his professional start.
The Raiders hold the first pick and are likely in need of a new franchise leader. Mendoza has been the consensus top player for months. His absence from the stage will be highly noticed.
Mendoza has maintained a very private pre-draft process. He did not throw at the NFL Combine earlier this year. He saved his full passing workout for the Indiana pro day instead.
He has focused on team interviews and mental preparation rather than on public displays. Staying in Miami fits his quiet approach. He remains the heavy favorite to go first despite his physical absence.
Fernando Mendoza joins Trevor Lawrence as a top pick staying home
The NFL world is reacting to the news that the Indiana star is skipping the ceremony. This choice aligns with a very specific precedent set by a previous top selection.
“Mendoza has informed the NFL that he is not planning to attend the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh this month,” Adam Schefterreported. This explains why the quarterback is skipping the stage.
The last time a No. 1 overall pick QB did not attend the NFL Draft was in 2021, when the Jaguars selected Trevor Lawrence. https://t.co/OaKcGpxFn0 pic.twitter.com/yz4DPhZ5C5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 7, 2026
“Mendoza wants to share the draft experience with his family in Miami,” Schefter added. This mirrors the 2021 situation. The NFL then invited Lawrence to attend the ceremony in person.
“The last time a No. 1 overall pick QB did not attend the NFL Draft was in 2021,” Schefter noted. Lawrence preferred a small gathering over a massive public event.
Jacksonville still selected him with the first pick. Teams value talent over attendance at the draft site. Mendoza carries similar leverage after his perfect season. His 16-0 record is massive.
The Raiders need a winner to revitalize their offense. Mendoza proved his worth by transforming Indiana into a powerhouse. Fans in Pittsburgh will miss seeing the top pick walk the stage.