This week has been all about the Indiana Hoosiers after they captured their first-ever national championship on Monday night, defeating the Miami Hurricanes.
All season, Indiana — while boasting a phenomenal roster from top to bottom — was led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who officially declared for the upcoming NFL draft on Friday.
Like many national champions, Mendoza has been making the media rounds, appearing on shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday night and the TODAY Show afterward.
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During the interviews, Mendoza addressed the possibility of being selected No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, a scenario that currently seems all but certain.
“I’d be blessed to play anywhere, and the No. 1 pick is a great blessing, but any pick is a fantastic blessing,” Mendoza said. “You only need one team to believe in you, and any team that believes in me, I’m going to give them my all.
“The Raiders have a great culture, a great coaching staff, and a great ownership group. It’s all around. Those are legit guys. I’d be happy to end up anywhere.”
Mendoza transferred to Indiana after spending two seasons at California, where he was recruited as a two-star or low three-star prospect on most platforms.
If he is indeed selected by the Raiders — who are currently in the middle of a head coaching search — he would join running back Ashton Jeanty and star tight end Brock Bowers in the Las Vegas offense. It could be an ideal landing spot for a young quarterback, provided the team hires the right coaching staff.
