Projected No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza Skips Combine Throwing Drills
Projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza (Indiana QB) opted not to throw at the NFL Scouting Combine, preferring to support his Hoosiers teammates at a pro day. Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman winner and Big Ten OPOY, is widely projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. Last season, he amassed 3,535 passing yards, 41 TDs, 6 INTs, a 182.9 passer rating (72.0% completion), and 276 rushing yards with 7 TDs, leading Indiana to a National Championship. He cites Tom Brady as a key influence and studied Sam Darnold and Matthew Stafford's film, noting his footwork needs improvement.
