The whirlwind continues for Fernando Mendoza. Just weeks after leading Indiana to its first national championship, the Heisman Trophy winner is fully focused on the next chapter: the NFL. And all signs point to the Las Vegas Raiders being the team to select him with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Mendoza’s improbable journey, capped by a victory over Miami in the College Football Playoff National Championship game, has quickly transitioned into NFL preparation. The announcement of his intention to enter the draft was hardly a surprise, given his dominant performance throughout the season and the Raiders’ clear need for a franchise quarterback.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” Mendoza said Monday night while receiving the Davey O’Brien Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top college quarterback. “I think now it’s finally settled in, and the dust has started to settle. The national championship, and then boom, next thing you know you’re on a new chapter.”
The Hoosiers’ perfect season, culminating in a win against Miami in their home stadium, was an unexpected triumph. Mendoza’s 48 total touchdowns – 41 passing and seven rushing – fueled the historic run. He completed of his passes for over yards with only six interceptions, showcasing a remarkable efficiency and decision-making ability.
Mendoza’s path to this point wasn’t straightforward. A transfer from Cal, he arrived at Indiana with the explicit goal of reaching the NFL. The national championship and Heisman Trophy were significant achievements, but always viewed as stepping stones. “The goal of transferring to Indiana was to make the NFL,” he explained. “It wasn’t to be a great college player. It was to try to develop into being an NFL quarterback one day.”
The Raiders, under new coach Klint Kubiak, appear poised to make that dream a reality. While Mendoza expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play for any team, he acknowledged the potential fit in Las Vegas. “I’d be blessed and honored to play for the Raiders, or I’d be blessed to play for any team,” he said. “Any NFL team that drafts me, I’d be ecstatic.” He anticipates a wave of emotion on draft night, stating, “I know at the draft, I’ll probably shed a tear or two just because it’s such a full-circle moment for me.”
Analysts are already drawing comparisons between Mendoza and Jared Goff, the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Like Goff, Mendoza isn’t necessarily viewed as a generational talent, but possesses the skills and potential to become a successful NFL quarterback. He’ll need to prove the skeptics wrong, much like he did throughout his collegiate career.
Mendoza’s success at Indiana was built on a combination of arm talent, athleticism, and intelligent play. His ability to adapt to defensive schemes, as demonstrated by his game-winning quarterback draw against Miami, highlights his football IQ. Recalling the play, Mendoza described how he reacted to an unexpected defensive look, deciding to run the ball himself when he saw a mixed zone and man coverage. “I see half the field going zone, half the field going man, I’m like, ‘Wow, if it’s man I’m supposed to throw it, if it’s zone I’m supposed to run it so I’m like, ‘You know what, screw it, I’m gonna run it myself, I’m going to die on that field,’ and we got in.”
The transition to the NFL will require further development, and Mendoza understands the challenges ahead. “College is great, but that part’s behind me,” he said. “I feel like I’ve been satisfied with my college career. However, now I’m on to the NFL career. It requires a new skill set. It’s a grown man’s league.”
Beyond football, Mendoza has remained grounded in his faith and community. He shared his Heisman Trophy with leaders at St. Paul Catholic Center in Bloomington around Christmas and plans to bring it to his high school in Miami, demonstrating a commitment to giving back and sharing his success.
As Mendoza prepares for the NFL Combine and the draft, the focus remains on the future. He leaves behind a legacy at Indiana, having delivered the program’s first national championship and a Heisman Trophy. But for Mendoza, the ultimate goal was always the NFL, and he’s now one step closer to realizing that dream.
