The 2026 NFL Draft is upon us, and most people expect it to be only a matter of time before Indiana superstar Fernando Mendoza gets selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the quarterback isn’t expected to attend the event in Pittsburgh, and he recently explained why.
Fernando Mendoza Elaborates on Why He’s Giving 2026 NFL Draft a Miss
Mendoza spent the 2025 season dominating the college football landscape en route to the Heisman Trophy. In a thin quarterback class, he’s now seen as a guaranteed lock at No. 1 in the draft this week.
The prospect, however, won’t be in Pittsburgh to see it unfold for personal reasons.
“Pittsburgh is a great opportunity and great venue, and I’m really excited to see all the guys walk across the stage on Thursday night,” Mendoza said on ‘The Rich Eisen Show.’ “My mom really wanted to do it at home, and so did my parents. It’s a lot easier for us. Especially with the family situation. I’m going to hop on a plane (in) the morning anyways. For that, it will be a lot easier to stay at home.”
His mother, who’s been living with multiple sclerosis for the last 15 years, uses a wheelchair due to her mobility issues.
“I wanted to stay and make the memory with everybody who poured into my football journey,” Mendoza added. “Mentors, coaches, family, friends, we want to share that memory with all of them. It’s going to be the best memory that I could hope for, rather than limit it to 10 or 12 people in Pittsburgh.”
Not many college players in history have had the privilege of being a surefire No. 1 pick in the draft, and Mendoza wants to be around his loved ones for the moment.
“I still want to be the best league partner I can become and make sure that there are however many cameras as ESPN wants there,” Mendoza concluded. “Whatever they need from me, I will do. However, I think it is very important to start off this journey with everyone who has got me to this point.”
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According to PFSN’s CFB QB Impact Metric, Mendoza finished last season with an impact score of 93.3, ranking second at his position in college football.
With a Raiders franchise waiting for a franchise quarterback, the suspense is building toward the moment the first overall pick is called. That pick might not be in the building, but he’ll certainly be celebrating when his name is announced.
