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Fernando Mendoza

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Mendoza Emerges as Raiders’ Draft Favorite After Combine
sports15 hours ago

Mendoza Emerges as Raiders’ Draft Favorite After Combine

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza impressed at the NFL scouting combine and is widely viewed as the top draft prospect with the Raiders planning him as the franchise’s future face. Mendoza received a greeting from Tom Brady, the Raiders’ minority owner, and then sat with Raiders executives Spytek and Kubiak for a detailed football-focused interview. Analysts are split on Mendoza’s draft ranking, but Raiders optimism is high and they’re pursuing a long-term development plan, though trade talk with the Jets remains speculative.

Mendoza Says Brady Phone Call Was 'Very Special' in Raiders Interview
sports22 hours ago

Mendoza Says Brady Phone Call Was 'Very Special' in Raiders Interview

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a Heisman winner projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, said at the NFL scouting combine that he spoke with Tom Brady on the phone during his formal interview with the Raiders, calling the moment 'very special' and expressing admiration for Brady and a potential mentorship; he also described a positive interview with the Raiders’ coaching staff, noted he won’t throw at the combine, and said he would be honored to be drafted by any team and hopes to meet Brady in person if Vegas selects him, building on Indiana’s remarkable season.

Friday at the 2026 NFL Combine: Ty Simpson Pushes Franchise QB Narrative as Tate and Mendoza Drive Draft Buzz
sports1 day ago

Friday at the 2026 NFL Combine: Ty Simpson Pushes Franchise QB Narrative as Tate and Mendoza Drive Draft Buzz

At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, quarterbacks Ty Simpson and Diego Pavia, wide receivers Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson, and running backs Jeremiyah Love and Brenen Thompson highlighted the event as teams weigh quarterback futures, wideout potential and backfield versatility; Simpson argued Alabama’s system prepared him for the NFL as a long-term starter, Pavia drew mentorship from Johnny Manziel, Tate declared himself WR1, Love emphasized his blocking and all-around game, Mendoza discussed the possibility of being mentored by Tom Brady, Beck teased a potential reunion with coach Todd Monken, and Tyson and Thompson addressed health, durability and elite speed.

Mendoza eyes No. 1 pick, dreams Brady mentorship with Raiders
around-the-nfl1 day ago

Mendoza eyes No. 1 pick, dreams Brady mentorship with Raiders

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza said at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine that he’s a likely No. 1 pick for the Raiders and described his interview with Las Vegas as excellent. He stressed he’d be grateful for any team that drafts him and would highly value a mentorship from Tom Brady. Mendoza won’t work out at the combine and plans to throw at Indiana’s pro day on April 1, with Raiders visits likely as he continues to develop leadership and football acumen to help turn around a franchise.

Indiana QB Mendoza Embraces Draft Spotlight as Raiders Hold No. 1
sports1 day ago

Indiana QB Mendoza Embraces Draft Spotlight as Raiders Hold No. 1

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner, treats the NFL Scouting Combine as his job interview and remains hopeful about being the Raiders’ No. 1 pick, though he says any draft slot would be a blessing; the Raiders—coming off a 3-14 season—have already hosted a formal interview, and Mendoza vows to give his best to whichever team selects him.

Mendoza envisions Brady mentorship as potential Raiders path to stardom
sports1 day ago

Mendoza envisions Brady mentorship as potential Raiders path to stardom

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza said a Tom Brady mentorship would be meaningful if he goes No. 1 overall to the Raiders, praising Brady as the greatest quarterback of all time and saying he would learn a lot from him; Mendoza even spoke briefly with Brady at the NFL Scouting Combine and believes a mentorship could accelerate his development.

Cold Wind, Big Plans: Day 1 at the NFL Combine Signals Mendoza to Vegas
sports4 days ago

Cold Wind, Big Plans: Day 1 at the NFL Combine Signals Mendoza to Vegas

Day 1 of the NFL Combine in Indianapolis featured frigid winds and media sessions as Raiders GM John Spytek signaled that Maxx Crosby will remain with the team and hinted Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza could be the No. 1 pick. The piece also covers Bears backup Tyson Bagent’s status and Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley’s leadership, all amid a refreshed podium setup. A personal aside notes the Stompers step-tracking app.

sports8 days ago

Mendoza Tops Whitefield’s First 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Brett Whitefield unveils his 2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0, blending what-he’d-do picks with plausible team fits across all 32 spots, led by Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 to the Raiders. He explains his 0–100 scoring system (film/traits, production/data, athleticism, intangibles) and notes that NFL Combine data will refine athletic metrics, with a Big Board updated continually. It’s a free preview that teases premium content (live streams, projections, and rankings) behind a signup.

Near-Call to Georgia: Mendoza's Unmade Kirby Smart Moment That Mattered
sports9 days ago

Near-Call to Georgia: Mendoza's Unmade Kirby Smart Moment That Mattered

Indiana transfer Fernando Mendoza says he was torn between Georgia and Indiana and even nearly called Kirby Smart to commit to the Bulldogs, a call that didn’t go through; he ultimately chose Indiana, where he led the Hoosiers to an undefeated season, a national title, and a Heisman, while Georgia's next season is led by Gunner Stockton.

Hoosier Wave of 2026: Mendoza Leads Indiana’s NFL Draft Prospects
sports11 days ago

Hoosier Wave of 2026: Mendoza Leads Indiana’s NFL Draft Prospects

A SB Nation Q&A highlights Indiana’s potential 2026 NFL Draft entrants, led by QB Fernando Mendoza and including WR Omar Cooper Jr, WR Elijah Sarratt, CB D’Angelo Ponds, Louis Moore, EDGE Mikail Kamara, LB Aiden Fisher, IOL Pat Coogan, RB Kaelon Black, RB Roman Hemby, TE Riley Nowakowski, S Devan Boykin, plus other possible names Holden Staes, Zen Michalski, and E.J. Williams, outlining the Hoosiers’ talent and draft outlook.