Watch Fernando Mendoza Throw 1st Pitch at Marlins Game in Trending Video Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Former Cal and Indiana quarterback, reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national champion Fernando Mendoza threw out the first pitch on Tuesday prior to his hometown Miami Marlins' game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Las Vegas Raiders are widely presumed to select Mendoza with the first overall pick in the NFL draft on Thursday.

Mendoza grew up in Miami and starred at Christopher Columbus High School. He started his collegiate career at Cal before transferring to Indiana in 2025. Mendoza then led the Hoosiers to a 16-0 record capped by a national title win against Miami, 27-21.

In 2025, Mendoza led Division I-FBS with 41 touchdown passes, 9.3 passing yards per attempt and a 182.9 passer rating. He completed 72.0 percent of his passes and threw just six interceptions. Mendoza also rushed for 276 yards and seven touchdowns.

Mendoza is ranked first overall among quarterbacks and third among all prospects on the latest B/R NFL Scouting Department big board. He's destined for the Raiders, who have added veteran Kirk Cousins on a one-year deal worth $20 million guaranteed after trading Geno Smith but need a long-term QB to shepherd the Silver and Black into the future. Mendoza appears to be the answer.

Mendoza will be staying home in Miami for the draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh. He explained on the Rich Eisen Show that he wanted to be with his family and friends (h/t Jason Sanders of The Daily Hoosier).

"It'd be a dream for a lot of guys, however, my mom really wanted to do it at home, and so did both my parents," Mendoza said on the Rich Eisen Show. "It was a lot easier for us, especially with the family situation, and I would have to hop on a plane the next morning anyways. For that travel, it would be a lot easier to stay at home."

Mendoza's mother, Elsa Mendoza, has lived with multiple sclerosis for nearly 20 years. Fernando Mendoza made her great impact on his journey during his Heisman acceptance speech very clear, saying in part that "this is your trophy as much as it is mine."

He also told Eisen that it was easier to have a draft party in Miami and celebrate with more people who helped him along the way:

"I wanted to stay and make the memory with everybody who poured into my football journey," Mendoza said. "Mentors, coaches, family, friends — to be able to share that moment with all of them, is going to be the best memory that I can make, rather than limiting it to 10 or 12 people in Pittsburgh."

ESPN will still be broadcasting in his home.

Mendoza won't be in Miami much longer, though, as Las Vegas will certainly be calling his name in two days to lead off the NFL draft.