It is no secret that the most probable No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft is Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza. He led his team to an undefeated run to the national championship on Monday, ending on a 16-0 record while also being the Heisman winner. The team that could possibly pick him will be the Las Vegas Raiders, and it seems that the owners are already showing interest in the Latino Heisman winner.
Two of the team’s owners, Mark Davis and legendary quarterback Tom Brady, were reportedly at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens to watch their next possible star quarterback in action. Mendoza did not disappoint, as he scored the game-winning rushing touchdown to hand Indiana’s first-ever national championship.
Following the contest, Fernando Mendoza was asked about how he felt having Mark Davis and Tom Brady watch him play. The quarterback, who is of Cuban descent, admitted that he did not know that the Raiders owners were in the building but he appreciated them showing up.
“Oh I did not see them, but I appreciate them for coming!” said Mendoza.
Coming into the 2026 NFL draft, Mendoza is hands down the favorite to be picked at No. 1. He did not just win the national championship in an undefeated season, but he did so as the Heisman winner, the highest individual honor in college football given to the best player in the season. Should he go to the Raiders, which have the No. 1 pick, there is a chance that he might be mentored by one of the greatest quarterbacks ever in Tom Brady.
What Were Fernando Mendoza’s Stats vs. Miami To Win The National Championship?
With the presence of two of the Las Vegas Raiders owners, it is clear that they are very much interested in getting Fernando Mendoza. But did he impress though? Mendoza made the decision to make the game-winning touchdown himself after massive pressure from Miami’s defense. This showed that he can stay cool under pressure, but what about his stats?
Against the Hurricanes, Mendoza had 27 attempts and connected with 16, with a completion rate of 59.3% and threw for 186 yards, He did not score a throwing touchdown, but he scored the most important rushing touchdown of the night.
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