INDIANAPOLIS — He threw 41 touchdowns, completed 72% of his passes, and led the Indiana Hoosiers to a flawless 16-0 national championship season. Now, Fernando Mendoza is making headlines by simply refusing to pick up a football. The projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft will bypass the passing drills at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine. He plans to throw at Indiana’s pro day on April 1. The decision triggered immediate backlash from prominent media figures, sparking intense debate inside the chilly concourses of Lucas Oil Stadium.
Mendoza wants to throw to familiar receivers in a highly controlled environment. It makes perfect business sense. Quarterbacks at the combine often throw to unfamiliar pass catchers with zero time to build rapport. One mistimed route creates a flawed evaluation. Many elite prospects prefer the comfort of their campus facilities to eliminate those variables.
You could almost feel the collective eye-roll from fans when the criticism surfaced online. Leading analysts, including ESPN insider Adam Schefter, amplified questions about Mendoza’s competitive fire. Yet, the internet never forgets. These same voices championed Shedeur Sanders for making the exact same choice in a previous draft cycle. The inconsistency immediately fueled accusations of a massive media double standard. Mendoza engineered one of the greatest single-season turnarounds in college football history, but suddenly, opting out of shorts-and-t-shirt drills means he lacks heart?
“The kid just went 16-0, won a Heisman, and bulldozed Miami for a national title. He doesn’t need to throw to strangers in February to prove his arm works. The media noise is just that—noise.”
— Anonymous AFC Scouting Director
Mendoza’s journey commands respect. He grew up in Miami, Florida, dreaming of football glory. He started his collegiate career at Cal, battled through the transfer portal, and landed in Bloomington to build a legacy. He leaned heavily on his faith, building deep locker-room camaraderie through team Bible studies. He did not just rack up 3,535 passing yards; he carried an entire university on his back. Walking away from Saturday’s passing sessions does not erase his championship resume.
This decision shifts the spotlight entirely onto Ty Simpson. The Alabama quarterback, currently the consensus No. 2 prospect, will throw in Indianapolis. A spectacular performance from Simpson could tighten the gap, but the Las Vegas Raiders still hold the keys at No. 1. Raiders offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak needs a franchise leader. With veteran Geno Smith currently on the roster, Las Vegas has the luxury of drafting Mendoza and letting him acclimate without throwing him directly into the fire. Expect the Raiders’ front office to heavily scout the April 1 pro day in Bloomington, where Mendoza will script every throw and dictate the tempo.
