India, April 24 -- Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is widely projected to be selected No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft. During his college career he won the Heisman Trophy in 2025 after leading Indiana to a 16-0 season. Mendoza enjoys a national title, a run that vaulted him to the top of quarterback rankings. Scouts and analysts have repeatedly described him as the clear top QB prospect in this year's class .

Mendoza was born on October 1, 2003, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was raised in Miami, Florida where he attended Christopher Columbus High School. Mendoza's mother has a huge influence on him and her struggle with multiple sclerosis serves as a huge motivation for him. He also shares a close relatio...