The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is underway in Indianapolis, but not every prospect in attendance plans to compete in on-field drills. Projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will not throw at Lucas Oil Stadium this week. Instead, he is choosing to showcase his arm at Indiana’s pro day on April 1 as the draft process continues.
Why Fernando Mendoza Is Skipping the NFL Combine Throwing Session
Quarterbacks are scheduled to work out Saturday alongside wide receivers and running backs during the four-day combine. The event runs from Thursday, Feb. 26, through Sunday, March 1, with position groups assigned to specific days. Saturday’s session includes scripted throwing drills in front of representatives from all 32 teams. Mendoza will not participate in those drills.
Earlier this month on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Mendoza explained that he prefers to throw in a controlled setting with familiar receivers rather than participate in a scripted combine session with pass catchers he has never worked with.
Indiana’s pro day allows him to operate within his normal structure while throwing to his own teammates. He also cited the quick turnaround between the expanded College Football Playoff and combine preparation. After leading Indiana to a national championship on Jan. 19, prospects had roughly a month to transition into draft training.
His decision follows a recent trend among top selections. Cam Ward in 2025, Caleb Williams in 2024, and Bryce Young in 2023Â all declined to throw at the combine before being selected first overall. For quarterbacks with established draft positioning, protecting that status can outweigh the potential upside of a combine session.
Mendoza’s résumé supports that strategy. He threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns against 6 interceptions while guiding Indiana to a 16-0 season. He also recorded a 93.3 PFSN CFB QB Impact Score. He is expected to be the No. 1 pick to the Raiders in April.
He will still participate in interviews and medical evaluations, which remain critical components of combine week. In contrast, quarterbacks such as Ty Simpson are expected to throw Saturday in Indianapolis to reinforce their draft positioning and answer remaining questions from evaluators.
Simpson is throwing because he still has questions to answer. He has only one full season as a starter, and teams want to see him operate live in front of everyone. A sharp session in Indianapolis can steady his draft range and show he belongs in the first round.
Mendoza’s evaluation process then shifts to April 1 in Bloomington, where he will conduct his throwing session under familiar conditions as he prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft.
