Mendoza Headlines the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis

Despite being the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will still get his official stage later this month.

Mendoza headlines the 319 prospects invited to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis (Feb. 23–March 2), the league announced Wednesday.

Some other big names on the invite list include:

• Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
• Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
• Makai Lemon, WR, USC
• Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
• Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
• Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
• David Bailey, DL, Texas Tech
• Rueben Bain Jr., DL, Miami
• Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
• Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio State

Mendoza is coming off a legendary 2025 season—Heisman winner, undefeated, and he led Indiana to its first national title in program history. And in a draft class that’s light at the top, he’s widely viewed as the only quarterback with true top-10 value.

Right now, the Las Vegas Raiders sit at No. 1 overall in the 2026 draft after moving on from head coach Pete Carroll and hiring former Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. In Bleacher Report’s latest projection, Mendoza is viewed as a clean match for that new direction.

As B/R scout Dame Parson put it, Mendoza gives Las Vegas what they’ve been missing: steadiness at quarterback—an accurate passer with high-level placement and football IQ, the type of player who can lift an offense that finished near the bottom of the league last season.

The Combine is the first major proving ground, and after Indy, prospects will keep building their case with pro days ahead of the draft in April.