With nothing left to prove in the college game, it was only a matter of time before Fernando Mendoza had to make his big decision about his football-playing future. The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback is fresh off Indiana's first national championship in program history. Mendoza led the Hoosiers to an unprecedented 16-0 season, winning it all in his hometown of Miami over the Canes.
Mendoza took to Instagram to share a video about his intentions when it came to his football future.
"To come to Indiana was a leap of faith, a leap that led me to going 16-0 with my boys, and winning a national championship. It has now led me here, the moment where I get to dream bigger. Thank you to my family, the teammates that pushed me, and the coaches that took a chance on me. It is only with your support and the glory of God that I am here today."
Mendoza finished by saying the following that he is done with college and is ready for the NFL Draft!
"With trust in my foundation and gratitude for every person that has helped me reach this moment, I am ready to take the next step. My LinkedIn status is now Open to Work, and I am officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft."
This is obviously a reference to this incredible post Mendoza put forth on LinkedIn earlier this week.
Fernando Mendoza references LinkedIn post in declaring for NFL Draft
For as much fun as Mendoza seems to have had putting together his NFL Draft declaration, he better get ready to learn all about the Silver and Black. The odds of him being the No. 1 overall pick by the lowly Las Vegas Raiders is off the charts. While he will get to be in the same organization as Tom Brady, he also has to deal with a franchise owned by Mark Davis, one that has still not hired a coach...
That being said, Mendoza is slated to join a Raiders team with Brock Bowers at tight end and Ashton Jeanty in the backfield. They are one of five NFL franchises who have yet to fill their head-coaching vacancy at this time, along with the Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Atlanta, Baltimore, Miami, the New York Giants, and Tennessee have all picked their coaches.
At this time, Mendoza's infectious optimism and competitive spirit can be more than a breath of fresh air for the Raiders. Frankly, he is built for it. He does need a quality supporting cast around him, just like he had at Indiana, and at Cal to some degree before that... It will be up to Brady, Davis, John Spytek, and whoever they decide on at head coach to build the best team possible around Mendoza.
Mendoza might be Open to Work, but how open is he to the idea of going to play for the Raiders now?