While it's hard to think about for Indiana football fans, Fernando Mendoza is going to be off to the NFL next season. Before Mendoza does leave Bloomington, he's got a dream CFP run on his mind. The Heisman winner is hoping to make even more history with Curt Cignetti.
Indiana has a Fernando Mendoza advantage in the CFP over Alabama
However, it's never too early to start thinking about potential landing spots. As of right now, the NY Giants hold the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. The G-Men just used a first-round pick on Jaxson Dart, who has fans dreaming of better days ahead.
Despite that, the one and only Colin Cowherd thinks the decision will be easy for Joe Schoen if he keeps the No. 1 spot for next spring: take Mendoza No. 1 overall and trade Dart away. Surely, Indiana fans don't want to see the star QB end up with New York, right?
“Giants should trade Jaxson Dart and draft Fernando Mendoza with #1 pick”@colincowherd on what New York should do if they have #1 pick in 2026 NFL Draft pic.twitter.com/lrd8ZO7iBk
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) December 18, 2025
Fernando Mendoza is strongly linked to the NY Giants with the No. 1 pick
While getting taken No. 1 overall would be a dream for Mendoza, the Giants are a bit of a mess right now. Brian Daboll was named the Coach of the Year after his debut season in East Rutherford, but it hasn't taken long for him to already get fired.
It's up in the air who will be taking over for Daboll, though Marcus Freeman is being considered a top candidate for the job. Schoen has the Giants in tough times, with quarterback play continuing to be the Achilles heel for the NFC East side.
Could Mendoza come in and change everything for the Giants? That's tough to say, but there's worry that he could see his talents be limited at MetLife Stadium. With things being so rocky for NY, it's safe to say that countless Indiana fans are hoping he heads elsewhere instead.
The Jets are another team Hoosier Nation doesn't want to see Mendoza suit up for. Come next April, we'll find out where Mendoza heads, but plenty of signs are pointing to him hearing his name first once draft night gets here. Will it be to join the Giants? We'll see.
