Fernando Mendoza has capped off a brilliant season in Indiana with a Heisman Trophy. He won several other individual awards this season, including the Maxwell Award and the AP College Football Player of the Year.
Now, Mendoza has his eyes set on the NFL Draft, and the New York Giants are believed to be the franchise that will draft him. The Giants are likely to get the number one draft pick next year, and they will be using it to bring Mendoza in.
But the path isn’t as clear as one would hope for. As per Ian Rapoport, the Giants will keep their options open if they secure the number one pick, which will include drafting Mendoza as their first pick.
“Expect them to evaluate all options (with the No. 1 overall draft selection), including looking at Fernando Mendoza before they make a decision on how they’re going to proceed if they have this pick,” Rapoport said.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: The Giants will keep all their options open if they secure the #1 pick — including drafting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, per @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/tLBo1IA3iZ
— JPA (@jasrifootball) December 28, 2025
As of now, the Giants have the first pick in the draft. However, the margin is very slim, and the future would depend on the outcome of the game against the Raiders. The Giants will play the Raiders today, and both teams are tied for the worst record in the league with 2-13.
If the Giants beat the Raiders today, they will lose their number one draft pick, and it will then pass on to the Las Vegas franchise. The game today will be interesting to watch because even if the Giants win, they will lose a long-term prospect.
Fernando Mendoza’s Emotional Heisman Trophy Speech
Mendoza became the first Indiana Hoosiers player ever to win a Heisman Trophy. A ceremony for the same was held in New York, where Mendoza gave an emotional speech and thanked his mother for everything she has done for him.
Mendoza acknowledged her efforts in not only raising him but also in helping him prepare for the world of football. Standing on the stage, Mendoza stated that the trophy belonged to her as well.
“Mommy, this is your trophy as much as it is mine,” Mendoza said of his mother. “You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my light. You’re my why. You’re my biggest supporter. Your sacrifices, courage, and love, those have been my first playbook, and the playbook that I’m going to carry with me through my entire life.”
“Together you and I are rewriting what people think is possible.”
Fernando Mendoza to his mom after winning the Heisman ❤️ pic.twitter.com/E2CO1eV41q
— espnW (@espnW) December 14, 2025
Mendoza said that together they are “rewriting” what people think is possible. Both of them were seen crying while Mendoza was giving his speech.
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