Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza Opts Out Of NFL Combine Throwing, Eyes Pro Day Showcase

Fernando Mendoza, the promising Indiana Hoosiers quarterback, has decided not to participate in the throwing drills at the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine. Instead, Mendoza will save his arm for Indiana Football’s Pro Day, a move drawing attention among scouts and draft analysts as the pre-draft process heats up.

The NFL Combine, held annually in Indianapolis, is a showcase for top collegiate talent to perform physical and mental tests in front of representatives from all 32 NFL teams. Quarterbacks throwing at the Combine is typically a high-profile event, providing prospects with a national platform to display arm strength, accuracy, and poise under pressure. However, Mendoza is joining a recent trend of quarterbacks opting to bypass the throwing session at the Combine in favor of more controlled, familiar environments on their home turf.

According to the Sports Illustrated report, Mendoza’s strategic decision centers around maximizing his draft stock by performing in a setting where he can work with receivers he knows and follow a script tailored to highlight his strengths. This approach offers the dual benefits of comfort and polish, as Indiana’s Pro Day will allow him to showcase his skills in a familiar setting, surrounded by trusted teammates and coaching staff.

• Mendoza is considered one of the more intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class, known for his quick release and decision-making in Indiana’s up-tempo offense.
• Indiana’s Pro Day is expected to draw significant NFL personnel given Mendoza’s status and the increasing trend of prospects opting for Pro Day performances over Combine participation.
• The NFL Combine will still provide Mendoza with opportunities for interviews, medical evaluations, and physical measurements, which remain critical components of the pre-draft process.

By deferring his on-field throwing session, Mendoza joins a notable list of quarterbacks in recent years who have made similar decisions, including top draft picks who preferred the support and control of their college environment to the unfamiliarity of throwing to new receivers at the Combine. This trend is partly driven by the desire to avoid variability and maximize measurable performance for scouts and evaluators.

While some NFL teams value the competitive aspect of throwing alongside peers at the Combine, others acknowledge the benefits of seeing a quarterback operate in a system and with personnel he knows best. Mendoza’s choice underscores the evolving dynamics of the pre-draft process, where player empowerment and strategic planning are increasingly shaping how prospects present themselves to the league.

All eyes will now turn to Indiana’s Pro Day, where Mendoza will have the opportunity to showcase his arm talent and decision-making under optimal conditions. The event is expected to attract a robust contingent of NFL coaches, general managers, and scouts, eager to see if Mendoza can solidify his standing as a potential early-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.