It's pretty much a done deal that the Heisman trophy-winning quarterback for the National Champion Indiana Hoosiers, Fernando Mendoza, will be the prospect that hears his name called first when Roger Goodell takes the stage in Pittsburgh on Thursday night to announce the first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft on behalf of the Las Vegas Raiders.

In 2025, Mendoza had a magical season to conclude his impressive collegiate career by leading the Hoosiers to a 16-0 record and the first National Championship in program history in his lone season with the team. Now, the talented young signal caller has his sights set on turning around the Raiders organization at the NFL level.

As it turns out, Mendoza has always had his sights set on the NFL.…