Fernando Mendoza is not worried about being the first name called in the NFL Draft. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner just wrapped up a flawless college season, but his focus is already completely locked on his rookie training camp.
The Mindset of Top Quarterback Prospect Fernando Mendoza
Mendoza tore through the college football landscape last season. He transferred to Indiana, mastered Curt Cignetti’s offense, and led the Hoosiers to an unprecedented 16-0 record and a national championship. He finished his final college campaign, completing 72.0% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions.
Those numbers made him a runaway Heisman winner and the overwhelming favorite to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders later this month. Yet, the quarterback insists the draft board is just noise.
“I wouldn’t really say that I have the mentality of trying to be the top pick, I’m just trying to be the best me possible,” Mendoza told SiriusXM following his pro day.
“And in that aspect, whatever team picks me, you only need one team to believe in you, whether you’re the first pick, whether you’re the last pick or whatever. And in that, I’m just trying to be the best quarterback I can be in September, rather than right now here in April.”
That mature perspective separates Mendoza from a typical highly touted prospect. He finished his 2025 campaign ranking second overall in PFSN’s CFB QB Impact Metrics with a 93.3 score while earning an A grade.
How Mendoza Kills Complacency in Las Vegas
Las Vegas majority owner Mark Davis and general manager John Spytek watched Mendoza dismantle defenses in person during January’s national title game. The Raiders desperately need a franchise anchor. Mendoza fits the profile perfectly.
Mendoza arrived at his Pro Day weighing 236 pounds, showing scouts he has the physical frame to handle an NFL pass rush. Winning a national title and a Heisman in the same year can ruin a young player’s work ethic. Mendoza credits his college coaching staff for keeping him grounded during the chaotic pre-draft process.
“[Indiana] ended off so strong with being 16-0, something that’s never been done before,” Mendoza said. “And it’s really easy to get fat and happy in essence where you’re getting all this praise. Hey, you might be a top pick all this great stuff, and, that I’m just really trying to learn something from a great mentor coach Curt Cignetti saying, Hey, kill the complacency every single day. Make sure that you’re staying humble and hungry so you can get the best out of yourself possible.”
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Cignetti clearly got his message across. Mendoza is already preparing for the speed of the professional game, specifically focusing on taking more snaps under center to adjust to the NFL hash marks.
The Raiders need a quarterback ready to start in Week 1. Mendoza is showing Las Vegas that he has the exact temperament required to turn a struggling franchise around.
