The sports-betting favorite to win the Heisman Trophy Saturday, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza claimed his first national honor as he preps for a big offseason that could lead to becoming the 2026 NFL Draft first overall draft pick.
Mendoza, who led the Hoosiers (13-0 overall) to their first Big Ten Championship since 1967 and second since the end of World War II, earned The Associated Press’ College Football National Player of the Year award Thursday. He will lead the Hoosiers into the program’s first CFP playoff game Jan. 1. The Rose Bowl matchup will feature the Hoosiers against the first-round winner between No. 9-seed Alabama at No. 8 Oklahoma on Dec. 19.
Mendoza, a transfer from California, enjoyed more productive seasons, but the dual-threat quarterback has rarely played more consistently. He compiled 2,980 passing yards and 33 touchdowns. The outdueled Heisman rival and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin in last Saturday’s conference final, earning the game’s MVP trophy.
“We were never supposed to be in this position, but now we’re the flipping champs,” Mendoza told Fox Sports. “We are brothers, we know how to stick together and we’re the toughest glue ever.”
With the AP award in tow and the Heisman announcement pending, Mendoza continues stepping into the national spotlight. NFL scouts are taking notice, noting his 71.5 completion percentage and just six turnovers. Elevating his draft stock significantly this season, Mendoza (-150) was tabbed by BetOnline Sportsbook as the sports-betting favorite to hear his name first during next April’s NFL draft.
Miami Hurricanes defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. (+350) drew the second-best odds, followed by Oregon quarterback Dante Moore (+400).
The @AP College Football Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/PaRjBhQ15U
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) December 11, 2025
2026 NFL Draft First Overall Pick Odds
Here is an early look at the first overall pick during the 2026 NFL Draft, according to BetOnline Sportsbook:
| Player | 2026 NFL Draft First Overall Draft Pick Odds |
|---|---|
| Fernando Mendoza | -150 |
| Rueben Bain Jr. | +350 |
| Dante Moore | +400 |
| Ty Simpson | +400 |
| Arvell Reese | +1800 |
| Keidric Faulk | +2500 |
| Arch Manning | +5000 |
| LaNorris Sellers | +6600 |
| Jayden Maiava | +10000 |
*-Odds current at time of publication
