Overview
- Mendoza was named the Manning Award winner on Friday, becoming the first Big Ten quarterback to receive the honor, which factors postseason performance into its selection.
- He led Indiana to a 16-0 season and the program’s first national title, finishing with 3,535 passing yards and 41 touchdowns.
- Across the College Football Playoff, he threw for 555 yards with eight touchdowns and posted strong efficiency marks reported by ClutchPoints.
- He has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft via LinkedIn and is widely projected as the No. 1 pick, with reported buzz linking the Las Vegas Raiders to potential interest.
- Mendoza credits Peyton Manning’s critique of his under‑center footwork and focus on fine details for sharpening the efficiency that now defines his game, with the draft’s first round set for April 23 in Pittsburgh.