Fernando Mendoza hit with strong prediction from ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr

Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana Hoosiers completed one of the best seasons in college football history with an undefeated 16-0 record with a 27-21 victory over the Miami Hurricanes to win the national title. Mendoza didn't enter the season as a Heisman Trophy favorite or a potential top pick in the 2026 NFL draft, but he leaves the season with the award given to college football's best player and is the odds-on favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick. While pretty much everyone in the football world believes he'll go to the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 1 pick, there's still a slight chance he doesn't. Not according to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., though. More NFL: Aaron Rodgers Takes Clear Stance on Mike Tomlin Rumors After Steelers Loss Kiper is ready to lock in Mendoza as the Raiders' pick at No. 1 with three months left to go until that pick is announced. In his latest mock draft the veteran analyst called it a "no-brainer" pick for Las Vegas. "Mendoza could join Joe Burrow and Cam Newton in going undefeated for the season, winning the Heisman Trophy and the national championship, and going No. 1 in the draft all inside a 12-month window. Mendoza transferred to the Hoosiers from Cal and immediately leveled up, throwing 41 touchdown passes and just six interceptions in 2025. I see great ball placement on the tape, and he's a no-brainer to begin Round 1. Las Vegas could start to build something offensively here with Mendoza, running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers," Kiper said. He took it a step further during a stint on "Get Up" when he said he's ready to lock in the pick with a pen – and exclamation points. The 2026 NFL draft will be held in Pittsburgh, PA from April 23-25. More Indiana: Curt Cignetti’s Daughter Reveals His True Reaction to National Title Win