1 of 5 | Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is interviewed after the Hoosiers defeated the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff title game Monday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, he announced Friday on social media, including through his LinkedIn account.
The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, who led the Hoosiers to their first national title Monday in Miami Gardens, Fla., is widely expected to be the first player selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. The event will be held from April 23 to 25 in Pittsburgh.
“Let’s get to work,” Mendoza wrote on LinkedIn and Instagram. “I’m humbled to announce that I am officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft!”
Mendoza, who has frequently joked about his LinkedIn page, updated his profile to say he is open to work. He said he is “actively applying” for jobs and able to start immediately.
“Coming to Indiana was a leap of faith,” Mendoza said in a video posted to his social platforms. “A leap that led me to going 16-0 with my boys, a national championship and has now led me here, the moment where I get to dream bigger.
“Thank you to my family, the teammates that pushed me and the coaches that took a chance on me. It is only with your support and the glory of God that I am here today.”
Mendoza, 22, graduated from the University of California Berkeley with a degree from the Haas School of Business. He is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration and management at Indiana University.
The Las Vegas Raiders own the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Raiders owner Mark Davis, general manager John Spytek, minority owner Tom Brady and president Sandra Douglass Morgan were among the front office members from the franchise in Miami Gardens for Monday’s title game.
Mendoza completed 72% of his throws for 3,535 yards and a national-best 41 touchdowns — against just six interceptions — over 16 appearances in 2025. The Hoosiers star also ran for 276 yards and seven scores during his junior campaign.
The New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans and New York Giants are the other teams with Top 5 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. About a half-dozen teams could be interested in selecting a quarterback in the first round.
Mendoza appeared Thursday night on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he tossed footballs into records, shattering them in front of the audience. He appeared again Friday on Good Morning America.
“Getting drafted by any team, I’d be so grateful,” Mendoza said on Good Morning America. “I could only do this with the glory of God. It would be a dream come true, from a two-star recruit.
“The reason I had this LinkedIn persona is that, [I thought], I’m probably not going to make it to the NFL, so let me double down on my networking and my connections and let me get ahead in the corporate lifestyle, so when I graduate, I can have a foot up on other student-athletes.”
Many of the 2026 NFL Draft’s top prospects are expected to participate in the NFL scouting combine from Feb. 23 to March 2 in Indianapolis.
NCAA: Indiana Hoosiers defeat Miami Hurricanes for 1st national title
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza raises the winners trophy after the Hoosiers defeated the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the NCAA College Football Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on January 19, 2026. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
