The 2026 NFL Draft is heating up, with teams hunting for that quarterback who can raise their franchises and ignite a new era of success. And Indiana Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza stands out as the most confident and dominant prospect.

During an interview with Esquire, the Heisman winner and national champion gave fans insights into his thought process.

“I always try to have a hunter mindset instead of the hunted mindset, so right now I try to compare myself to one out of thirty-two potential starting NFL quarterbacks—and I’m not even drafted by a team, and I don’t have a starting position.”

Mendoza’s strong mindset comes from his personal life, as his mother, Elsa Mendoza, has battled multiple sclerosis since 2007. She kept it a secret for years, only letting her sons know when they were a bit older. Her condition worsened during COVID-19, and according to Mendoza, “she lost her ability to walk and had chemotherapy,” along with long-term monitoring.

During that period, Mendoza took on responsibilities at home, caring for his family while his father worked as a pediatric emergency doctor, and even keeping his focus as a student-athlete.

However, even after these challenges, he stayed committed to football. Mendoza's records speak to his confidence. He has 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, a 90.3 quarterback rating in last season, and a 91 production score, ranking first among quarterbacks in the NFL combine.

With the draft coming up, it's more than likely that he will be picked up, given his talents. But the question remains: Which teams are interested in the Heisman-winning QB? 

Which Teams Are Showing Interest in Mendoza?

The demand for a starting quarterback continues to dominate draft discussions, and Fernando Mendoza is becoming a main topic of the conversations.

According to Bleacher Report, the Las Vegas Raiders can be a landing spot for Mendoza. The team is coming off a difficult season with a record of 3-14 and is finally entering a full rebuild. This makes the timing right to bring in a QB who can become the face of the team. Mendoza fits that role perfectly, offering both production and leadership for the team. 

The Raiders, with a projected $92 million in cap space, 10 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, and an ownership group that includes Tom Brady, have the foundation already there.

The biggest need, however, remains the offensive line, particularly tackle depth. If the Raiders can improve protection, Mendoza has the skills to make an immediate impact. His ability to read defenses and stay composed under pressure could quickly translate to NFL success.

Which team do you think would be the best fit for Mendoza? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi