By Field Level Media
Fernando Mendoza, the projected No. 1 overall pick, informed the league that he is not planning to attend the NFL draft in Pittsburgh later this month, ESPN reported on Tuesday.
Per the report, the Indiana quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner wants to share the draft experience with his family in Miami.
The Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the top pick in the draft on April 23-25, will be hosting Mendoza on Tuesday, per NFL Network.
The last time a No. 1 overall pick — that was a quarterback — did not attend the NFL draft was in 2021, when Trevor Lawrence was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars out of Clemson.
Mendoza, 22, provided the signature moment to his epic season with a dive across the goal line on fourth down in the No. 1 Hoosiers’ 27-21 victory over No. 10 Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Jan. 19.
Listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza completed 72.0 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns this past season. He also rushed for 276 yards and seven scores in his lone season with Indiana after transferring from Cal (2023-24).
–Field Level Media
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