Fernano Mendoza has officially updated his LinkedIn status to ‘open to work’ on Friday, Jan. 23.
The Indiana football quarterback announced his intention to enter the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday morning on his Instagram account, but in true Mendoza fashion, he also updated his LinkedIn status to ‘open to work.’
‘Coming to Indiana was a leap of faith, a leap that led me to go 16-0 with my boys and a national championship,’ Mendoza said. ‘And has now led me here, the moment where I get to dream bigger. Thank you to my family, the teammates that pushed me, the coaches that took a chance on me, it’s only with your support and the glory of God that I’m here today. With trust in my foundation and gratitude for every person that has helped me reach this moment. I’m ready to take the next step.’
‘My LinkedIn status is now, open to work, and I’m officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.’
In his lone season with Indiana, Mendoza completed 273-of-379 passes (72%) for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions, leading the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 record and the first national championship in program history.
Mendoza won the 2026 Heisman Trophy honors, becoming the first Indiana player to ever do so. He also won the Walter Camp Award, Maxwell Award and Davey O’Brien Award, while earning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and Quarterback of the Year honors.
With his declaration, Mendoza is widely speculated to become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with Tom Brady and the Las Vegas Raiders holding the first pick.
Fernando Mendoza stats
Here’s a look at Mendoza’s stats in his three collegiate seasons:
- 2023 (California): 153-of-243 passing (63%) for 1,708 yards, 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions; 49 rushes for 86 yards and two touchdowns
- 2024 (California): 265-of-386 passing (68.7%) for 3,004 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions; 87 rushes for 105 yards and two touchdowns
- 2025 (Indiana): 273-of-379 passing (72%) for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions; 90 rushes for 276 yards and seven touchdowns
