Overview
- At media day, Mendoza repeated that he is focused on the present and declined to engage on questions about being the No. 1 pick or playing in Las Vegas.
- ESPN’s Chris Fowler compared Mendoza’s college accuracy and pre-snap command to Andrew Luck, while Josh Pate highlighted his far-hash NFL throws.
- The Raiders, holders of the top pick, are evaluating Mendoza at Monday’s national championship, and he has not declared for the draft.
- Mendoza’s postseason surge includes a 17-of-20, five-touchdown Peach Bowl showing, with analysts noting he has elevated his play after winning the Heisman.
- Off the field, he and his brother have raised $154,002 toward a $175,000 multiple sclerosis goal for their mother, as Alberto prepares to compete with TCU transfer Josh Hoover for Indiana’s 2026 quarterback job.