By officially declaring for the draft, the 22-year-old passer becomes eligible to be selected by any of the league’s 32 franchises during the multi-round event scheduled for the spring. Under NFL guidelines, players must be at least three years removed from high-school graduation, a threshold Mendoza meets after spending four seasons on campus in Bloomington.
The announcement ends all speculation about whether the quarterback might return for an additional season. Although NCAA rules permit a fifth year of eligibility in certain cases, Mendoza opted to pursue a professional career after securing collegiate football’s most recognizable accolade.
For the Hoosiers, the move signals a transition at the sport’s most critical position. Indiana now faces the task of identifying a new starter before spring practices begin. Coaching staff members have not commented publicly on succession plans, but the departure removes a key figure from the team’s offensive structure.
In the NFL, Mendoza’s status as a Heisman winner typically carries weight among front offices evaluating prospects. While past recipients have experienced varying degrees of professional success, the award remains an indicator of elite collegiate performance. Teams with early first-round selections often scrutinize Heisman honorees for potential franchise-quarterback qualities such as decision-making, accuracy and leadership under pressure.
The quarterback’s path from the Big Ten Conference to the professional ranks now enters a pre-draft evaluation phase. Standard procedures include participation in the NFL Scouting Combine, individual workouts and formal interviews with team executives. Performance in these settings will influence Mendoza’s eventual draft position, although his collegiate résumé already positions him as a headline name in this year’s class.
Entering the draft also activates representation rules governed by the NFL Players Association. Prospects typically sign with certified agents to manage contract negotiations, marketing partnerships and logistical arrangements related to workouts. Mendoza has not indicated which agency will oversee his interests, but the choice is expected in the coming weeks as preparations intensify.
Prospective teams weigh several factors when assessing quarterbacks, including arm strength, pocket awareness and adaptability to professional playbooks. As front offices compile scouting reports, each will determine whether Mendoza’s skill set aligns with organizational schemes. The evaluation process often concludes with on-site visits that allow coaches to administer play-installation sessions and gauge a player’s aptitude for rapid learning.
The Hoosiers’ athletic department acknowledged Mendoza’s contribution to the program following his announcement. University officials highlighted the quarterback’s on-field achievements and academic standing, thanking him for elevating the profile of Indiana football during his tenure. No timetable has been provided for a formal farewell event, though similar ceremonies have traditionally occurred during spring games or alumni weekends.
While the Heisman Trophy is the most visible element of Mendoza’s résumé, NFL talent evaluators also consider durability, consistency and performance in high-pressure situations. The transition to the professional level demands adjustment to faster defenses and more complex coverage schemes, factors that front offices measure through extensive film review. Mendoza’s upcoming participation in league-sanctioned evaluation sessions will offer additional data points for decision-makers.
The 2026 NFL Draft is slated to begin in late April, with the first round broadcast nationally in prime-time. According to the National Football League’s official draft calendar, prospects must submit necessary paperwork and attend mandatory medical examinations before that date. Mendoza’s paperwork is now on file, allowing him to take part in all official activities.
Indiana supporters will turn their attention to the university’s next quarterback competition, while professional scouts finalize rankings ahead of the combine. As the draft approaches, Mendoza’s name is expected to remain prominent in discussions concerning teams seeking long-term stability at the quarterback position.
Crédito da imagem: ABC News Live
