Former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza is entering the most important stretch of his football career with momentum building both on and off the field.
Widely projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick for the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza revealed major off-the-field news that further underlines his rising profile as he prepares for the next level.
Earlier this month, Mendoza announced on LinkedIn that he is officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.
The announcement was notable not only for its timing, but also for the platform he chose to deliver it.
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Shortly afterward, LinkedIn confirmed that it has entered into a formal business relationship with the quarterback, capitalizing on his rapidly growing presence and engagement.
Per Front Office Sports, LinkedIn acknowledging the unique connection that has formed between the platform and the draft-bound quarterback.
“As of last week, we’re working with Fernando in a more integrated capacity,” a LinkedIn spokesperson said. “We’re excited to continue working with him moving forward.”
With more than 167,000 followers, Mendoza has emerged as an organic ambassador for the professional networking platform.
In contrast to most high-profile college athletes, LinkedIn is the only social media app on his phone aside from YouTube. Mendoza has said the decision helps him eliminate distractions and maintain focus as his football career accelerates.
Raiders’ quarterback future coming into focus
That focus may soon be tested on one of the NFL’s biggest stages. The Raiders are widely viewed as being in desperate need of a long-term franchise quarterback, and their draft positioning could allow them to select Mendoza at the very top.
His on-field traits and off-field discipline have only strengthened the belief that he could be the right fit for a team seeking stability under center.
Former NFL quarterback Jordan Palmer, who has worked closely with Mendoza since his transition to Cal, offered high praise for the young signal-caller during an appearance on The Jim Rome Show.
“I know him very well and really came on my radar on his way to Cal,” Palmer said on the January 26 edition of the show.
“Somebody tipped me off that this kid’s going to be really good. Look, the skill set, it doesn’t take you too long to go, ‘Alright, cool, NFL guy.’ The skill set is what it is. He’s mobile, he makes every throw, he likes to throw on time.”
Beyond the physical tools, Palmer believes Mendoza is uniquely equipped to handle the challenges that come with playing in Las Vegas.
“I think uniquely about this is you got the Raiders, which whatever you want to say about the ownership and the decisions they make, then you add in Tom Brady, then you’re going to have a new coach,” Palmer added.
“Plus, it’s Vegas and all the temptations and stuff that come with that. Plus, Raider Nation, which is a much bigger fan base than Indiana Hoosiers. I think he’s the perfect guy to come in here and play well and weather the storm.”
The Brady effect
The mention of Tom Brady carries additional weight.
With Brady holding a minority ownership stake in the Raiders, any future quarterback decision will inevitably be tied to his legacy.
It is fair to say that Brady knows how to spot a promising passer and, under his guidance, Mendoza arguably couldn’t be in better hands.
As the draft process unfolds, Mendoza continues to separate himself not just as an elite quarterback prospect, but as a polished professional already thinking beyond football.
For the Las Vegas Raiders, that combination could be exactly what they’ve been searching for.
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