Projected No. 1 Overall Pick Fernando Mendoza Makes Decision Known On 2026 NFL Draft Attendance
Forget the bright lights of the “Steel City” green room, the awkward walk across the stage, and the traditional bro-hug with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Fernando Mendoza is doing things his own way.
The projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft has officially informed the league that he will not be attending the festivities in Pittsburgh later this month. Instead, the Indiana Hoosiers legend and Heisman Trophy winner is packing up and heading home to South Beach. Mendoza plans to soak in the biggest night of his professional life surrounded by family and friends in Miami.
Honestly? You can’t blame the kid for trading a chilly April night in Pennsylvania for a comfortable couch in Florida.
Why Mendoza Is Ditching the Green Room For South Beach
In the modern NFL, skipping the draft isn’t the scandal it used to be. Mendoza is simply joining a growing list of top-tier prospects who decided that the made-for-TV spectacle wasn’t for them. Travon Walker did it in 2022. Trevor Lawrence opted out in 2021. Baker Mayfield and Myles Garrett also famously stayed home.
For Mendoza, the decision boils down to family. His inner circle has been with him since day one, long before he was a national champion throwing darts on national television. Sharing the moment in a private setting rather than a crowded auditorium just makes sense for the 22-year-old phenom.
The Las Vegas Raiders and the Inevitable First Pick
Let’s not pretend there is any suspense about where Mendoza is heading. The Las Vegas Raiders hold the first overall pick, and barring a plot twist that would break the internet, he is heading to “Sin City.”
The signs are glaringly obvious. Mendoza is currently taking his Top 30 draft visit with the Raiders—and it is the only official visit on his schedule. Raiders Owner Mark Davis and General Manager John Spytek watched him win a national title in person, and the entire front office drooled over his pro day performance, where he missed just three of his 56 throws.
Las Vegas is also rolling out the red carpet to ensure its rookie doesn’t get ruined behind a leaky offensive line. New Head Coach Klint Kubiak has a plan, and the front office brought in veteran Quarterback Kirk Cousins on a one-year deal. If Mendoza needs a minute to learn the playbook and adjust to the speed of the pros, Cousins is there to hold down the fort.
Looking At the Stats That Made Mendoza a Star
If you need a refresher on why the Raiders are ready to hand this kid the keys to the franchise, just look at the video game numbers he put up in 2025.
Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and a measly 6 interceptions while completing 72% of his passes. Oh, and he added 276 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground just for fun. He led Indiana to a flawless 16-0 record and the school’s first-ever football national championship.
Draft analysts like Daniel Jeremiah are already comparing him to a prime Matt Ryan, noting his pocket presence, arm talent, and elite footwork.
What This Means For the NFL Draft In Pittsburgh
While the fans in Pittsburgh might be bummed they won’t get to boo (or cheer) the first overall pick in person, the draft will go on. Mendoza will eventually put on that silver and black hat from the comfort of his Miami home, the Raiders will get their franchise savior, and we will finally get to see if the college football golden boy can translate his magic to the professional gridiron.
