Heisman Winner Fernando Mendoza Joins NFL Path to the Draft

The 2025 college football season? That one’s going in the books. Fernando Mendoza came out on top, grabbing the Heisman Trophy after a wild run as quarterback. His play didn’t just push his team into the College Football Playoff—it put him right in the spotlight for the next NFL Draft.

Not long ago, Mendoza sat down with Daniel Jeremiah on NFL Network’s “Path to the Draft.” They talked through his story, what he picked up at Indiana’s Pro Day, and what’s next as the draft inches closer. So, let’s get into how Mendoza got here, what he’s aiming for, and a bit about the 2026 draft class he’ll be joining.

The Journey of Fernando Mendoza

Mendoza’s story isn’t just about talent—it’s about grit and leadership, too. College ball tested him, but he kept showing up, game after game, doing what needed to be done.

He kept his cool when the heat was on. That’s what fans and scouts kept talking about. Clutch moments? He seemed to have a knack for those.

Early Career and College Success

People spotted his promise back in high school. Once he hit college, he didn’t waste any time—he was starting at quarterback almost immediately.

He put in the work, no doubt about it. By 2025, he’d thrown for over 4,000 yards and hit 40 touchdowns. His team made the College Football Playoff, and he was a huge reason why.

When the playoffs rolled around, Mendoza just kept delivering. Reading defenses, making those snap decisions, and threading passes under pressure—that’s what he brought to the table.

It’s not hard to see why scouts started circling his name. He just kept making things happen when it mattered most.

Indiana’s Pro Day Workouts

After wrapping up his college run, Mendoza headed to Indiana’s Pro Day. These workouts are a big deal—NFL coaches and scouts show up from everywhere to see what the top prospects can do.

Mendoza knew what was at stake. He didn’t hold back.

Standout Performances

During drills, Mendoza’s arm strength and accuracy stood out. He moved well, too, showing off his footwork and how he handles pressure when things get hectic.

Scouts liked how he could hit those deep throws. He looked comfortable dodging would-be tacklers, which—let’s be honest—not every prospect can do.

But it wasn’t just the physical stuff. Mendoza’s leadership came through, especially when he was working with his receivers. He seemed to really understand the flow of the game.

That’s the sort of thing NFL teams notice. It’s not always about stats—it’s about how you handle yourself when eyes are on you.

Path to the Draft

On “Path to the Draft,” Mendoza opened up about his journey and what’s next. He didn’t shy away from giving credit to his coaches, teammates, and family for backing him every step of the way.

Preparation and Mindset

When Jeremiah asked about his draft prep, Mendoza talked about sticking to a strong work ethic. He’s been training hard, working with some of the best to get his game sharp and his body ready.

He also mentioned the mental side—watching film, breaking down defenses, staying sharp upstairs. That’s just as important as what happens on the field, if not more.

He comes across as grounded and humble, which is honestly refreshing. Mendoza knows there’s always more to learn, and he’s not pretending otherwise.

Broader Context of the 2026 Draft

Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza’s not the only name in the mix. There’s a deep pool of talent this year, with all sorts of players showing off at Pro Days and the Combine.

Other Notable Prospects

He’s got company. Drew Allar from Penn State is making waves—people keep talking about his arm and football smarts.

Rueben Bain Jr., an edge rusher out of Miami, turned heads at his Pro Day with his speed and ability to get after the quarterback.

Then you’ve got wideouts like Deion Burks from Oklahoma and KC Concepcion from Texas A&M. Both are fast, sharp on their routes, and have hands you can trust. Any team would be lucky to land them, honestly.

Conclusion

Fernando Mendoza’s journey—from a standout high school player to 2025 Heisman Trophy winner and top NFL draft prospect—really says a lot about what hard work can do. He never seems to stop pushing himself.

Now, as Mendoza gets ready for the next step in his football career, he’s got his eyes on the prize. He’s still hungry to get better.

Watching him at Indiana’s Pro Day or catching his thoughts on “Path to the Draft,” you get the sense there’s a lot more to come from him in the NFL. The future’s looking pretty bright, honestly.

Curious to see more? You can check out his interview with Daniel Jeremiah and the full video on the official NFL website.