The Indiana Hoosiers and star quarterback Fernando Mendoza are taking on the Miami Hurricanes in the college football national championship game tonight.
While all eyes are on Indiana pursuing a perfect season that ends with a national title, the future of Mendoza is also in the picture. He is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by Tom Brady and the Las Vegas Raiders.
Mendoza has put on a show this season. His impressive campaign for the Hoosiers ended up leading to him winning the coveted Heisman Trophy.
During tonight’s game, there are two extra pairs of eyes watching him in person. Both Brady and Raiders owner Mark Davis are in town to watch Mendoza live.
Yahoo Sports was the first to share a video of Brady on the field.
Social Media Reacts After Tom Brady, Fernando Mendoza Link
Fans quickly started commenting about Brady being in attendance for the game. Las Vegas badly needs a franchise quarterback. Mendoza could be that guy.
“The Silver and Black front office better be looking at Mendoza like a life raft, because this No. 1 pick is the only thing keeping that franchise afloat,” one fan wrote.
Another fan chimed in, “Brady and Mark Davis ready to see their next QB.”
“He’s wearing Raiders gear but it’s mostly covered up LOL,” another fan said, noting Brady’s gear.
“Don’t let the Raiders pick #1. They have no idea what they’re doing. JaMarcus Russell still haunts everybody,” a fourth comment read.
Fernando Mendoza Has Had a Remarkable Season for Indiana
After making the decision to transfer to Indiana to play for head coach Curt Cignetti and alongside his brother, Alberto Mendoza, the older Mendoza has put on a show this season.
Heading into the national championship game, Mendoza had completed 73 percent of his pass attempts for 3,349 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also has picked up 284 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.
Landing with the Raiders would put a lot of pressure on Mendoza’s shoulders. It has been a long time since they were a contender and they are desperate for that to change.
No rookie quarterback is a sure thing. However, the skill-set that Mendoza possesses, his personality, and his work ethic make him as close to a sure thing as a rookie can be.
Not only does Las Vegas need a franchise quarterback, it also needs a franchise leader. Mendoza has embraced that role this season with the Hoosiers. He has put the team on his back and cleared the path on the way to the national championship.
More than likely, Brady and Mendoza will be connected with each other for many years to come. For the young quarterback, being able to learn from the best of all-time would be an excellent situation to begin his NFL career.
Hopefully, Mendoza is able to finish out his college career by leading the Hoosiers to a national championship win. After that goal is accomplished, the future with the Raiders can become front and center for him.
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