INDIANAPOLIS — The road to Pittsburgh starts now. The NFL officially released the invite list for the 2026 Scouting Combine on Wednesday, dropping 319 names into the scouting mixer. But the biggest news isn’t who’s on the list—it’s what the main attraction won’t be doing.
Fernando Mendoza, the Indiana quarterback who just led the Hoosiers to a shock 16-0 National Championship run and captured the Heisman Trophy, will not throw in Indianapolis. Sources confirm the projected No. 1 overall pick will wait for Indiana’s Pro Day on April 1 to let it rip.
The Power Move: Mendoza Holds the Cards
It’s the classic leverage play. After throwing for over 3,500 yards and accounting for 48 total touchdowns during Indiana’s perfect season, Mendoza has nothing left to prove on tape. With the Las Vegas Raiders sitting on the first pick and desperate for a franchise savior, Mendoza’s camp is keeping the arm fresh for a controlled environment in Bloomington.
While Mendoza sits out the drills, the spotlight shifts to the guys fighting for QB2. Penn State’s Drew Allar, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier will take center stage at Lucas Oil Stadium from February 23-March 2. Keep an eye on Jalon Daniels (Kansas)—if his medicals check out, his athleticism could light up the testing numbers.
“I want to throw with my guys. We built this championship together, and I want to make sure they get the shine they deserve on Pro Day. The tape speaks for itself.” — Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Quarterback (via The Pat McAfee Show)
Position Group Breakdown: Speed Kills
Beyond the quarterback drama, this roster is stacked with elite speed, particularly at receiver and defensive back. The 40-yard dash record might actually be in danger this year.
- Wide Receivers: The Ohio State duo of Carnell Tate and the explosive Zachariah Branch (Georgia) headline a deep group. Watch out for Barion Brown (LSU)—his track speed is legendary, and the fast track in Indy was made for him.
- The Secondary: Caleb Downs (Ohio State) enters as the safest defender on the board, a chess piece who can play anywhere. But Mansoor Delane (LSU) and Domani Jackson (Alabama) have the length and hips to challenge for the top corner spot.
- The Trenches: Mason Reiger (Wisconsin) and Nic Scourton’s teammate Cashius Howell (Texas A&M) will look to separate themselves in a murky edge rusher class. On the offensive side, Spencer Fano (Utah) and Will Campbell’s former running mate Emery Jones—wait, actually, keep an eye on Francis Mauigoa (Miami). The urgency for tackle help across the league will push these guys up the board.
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
For teams like the Giants, Titans, and Cardinals picking in the top 5, this Combine is less about raw numbers and more about medicals and interviews. The interviews will be critical for a guy like Ty Simpson (Alabama), who has the talent but needs to sell teams on his consistency.
The defensive tackle class looks thin at the top, which means Walter Nolen—actually, check the list—Damonic Williams (Oklahoma) and Peter Woods (Clemson) have a massive opportunity. A dominant week in the bench press and agility drills could vault either of them into the top 15, pushing a slider down the board.
