BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — In a pro day that drew unprecedented attention to Indiana University's football program, expected top NFL draft pick Fernando Mendoza delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday, showcasing his skills in front of scouts from all 32 teams while elevating the spotlight on his former teammates.
The event at the John Mellencamp Pavilion featured nearly two dozen Hoosiers participants, including teammates running 40-yard dashes and catching passes. Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner from the 2025 season, warmed up alongside his college roommate before taking center stage. More than 100 media members were credentialed, and dozens of family and friends attended, marking what organizers described as the most significant pro day in school history.
Mendoza threw approximately 56 passes, mixing short, medium, and deep routes to receivers positioned across the field—left, right, and over the middle. He also demonstrated mobility by throwing on the run, a nod to the dynamic style that propelled Indiana to its first national championship. "I feel like it went great," Mendoza said afterward. "You know, quarterbacks have passed, have done shorter pro days than that. However, I just wanted to make sure everybody could showcase their abilities in front of all 32 NFL teams and really run routes that are applicable to the timing we're going to be running in the NFL."
Not every throw was flawless. The 6-foot-5, 22-year-old quarterback, originally from Boston and a former standout at a Florida prep school before transferring from Cal, overthrew a diving Elijah Sarratt by about half a yard on a deep ball, contributing to several passes that hit the turf. Despite these minor hiccups, Mendoza's overall display reinforced his status as the projected No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, set to begin April 23.
Scouts from every NFL franchise were present, underscoring the buzz around Mendoza. The Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the top selection, appear particularly enamored. Mendoza, a longtime admirer of Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, has already met with the team twice—once at the NFL scouting combine in February and again via videoconference. A third meeting is scheduled before draft night. Raiders majority owner Mark Davis and general manager John Spytek were spotted together with Brady at Indiana's national championship game against Miami in January, where Mendoza's heroics sealed the victory.
Mendoza's senior season was nothing short of spectacular. He completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, throwing 41 touchdowns against just six interceptions. His leadership shone brightest in the playoff run, where Indiana toppled powerhouses like Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon, and Miami in succession. The Hoosiers claimed their first outright Big Ten title since 1945 and the program's inaugural national football championship, capped by a twisting, highlight-reel rushing touchdown from Mendoza in the title game.
At the combine, Mendoza opted out of physical workouts, focusing instead on interviews and now this throwing session. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti observed from the sidelines, as did bright television lights positioned in the end zones, adding to the high-stakes atmosphere. Mendoza arrived at 236 pounds—11 pounds above his listed playing weight—appearing more robust and better equipped to handle the NFL's punishing pass rush.
"I'm putting all of my efforts toward just trying to be the best quarterback possible for the season," Mendoza told reporters. "But I know at the next level, there's going to be a lot more snaps under center, and that's a big adjustment. I need to get used to that and just the nature of the game. Not only that, the hash marks are more condensed and the speed of the game is faster. So, all those things I look forward to learning."
His performance wasn't just about personal shine; Mendoza used the platform to boost his teammates' draft prospects. By extending the throwing session, he ensured they had ample opportunity to impress in front of the assembled scouts. The day concluded with the group sprinting to the end zone for a collective hug, a poignant end to their shared college journey.
"You have to take a second to kind of realize what we have all accomplished together here," Mendoza reflected, glancing at his teammates. "It was a little bit of a moment of gratitude, looking at those guys and really seeing the special moments I've had with each individual. It's unlikely we'll all play on the same team again, but hopefully, I'll get to play against and with some of those guys again."
Indiana's pro day comes amid a transformative era for the program under Cignetti, who has rebuilt the Hoosiers into contenders. The event highlighted not only Mendoza's arm talent but also the depth of talent emerging from Bloomington. Receivers like Sarratt and others ran precise routes, while defensive prospects tested their speed in the 40-yard dash, all under the watchful eyes of NFL personnel.
For the Raiders, selecting Mendoza could signal a franchise reset. Las Vegas struggled in the 2024 season, finishing with a poor record that earned them the top pick. Mendoza's affinity for the team, combined with his championship pedigree, makes him a seamless cultural fit. Brady's presence at key games suggests the seven-time Super Bowl winner's influence in grooming the next generation of quarterbacks.
While Mendoza skipped combine drills to preserve his health, his pro day weight gain and on-field poise addressed concerns about his frame against NFL defenses. Analysts have praised his accuracy and decision-making, traits evident even in the imperfect throws Wednesday. As the draft approaches, Mendoza's stock remains sky-high, with mock drafts universally projecting him to Las Vegas.
The broader NFL landscape is watching closely. Quarterback-needy teams like the Raiders rarely pass on a talent of Mendoza's caliber, especially one who has beaten the best college programs en route to a title. His story—from Boston roots to Cal transfer to Indiana hero—embodies the grit that defines top prospects.
Looking ahead, Mendoza's final pre-draft meeting with the Raiders will be crucial, though his body of work speaks volumes. As teammates disperse to their own draft dreams, the pro day served as a fitting farewell to Indiana's magical 2025 run. For Mendoza, the wait until April 23 is the last hurdle before his professional chapter begins.
In the end, Wednesday's event was more than a workout; it was a celebration of collective achievement and individual promise, setting the stage for what could be a landmark draft for the Hoosiers alumni.