Declared Underclassmen for NFL Draft
Fernando Mendoza Makes it Official
January 24, 2026 – updated
Draft Insiders’ NFL Draft Prospects
Declaration Day – January 23rd
QB Fernando Mendoza Makes it Official
OT Francis Mauigoa Enters NFL Draft & Joins Teammates
Indiana Corner D’Angelo Ponds Declares for NFL Draft
Highly regarded Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza made it official Friday to enter the 2026 NFL draft. He has projected as the #1 overall pick in April. Players in the national title game had until Jan 23rd to declare and both Indiana and Miami lost premier prospects on the final day. Mendoza had a Heisman Tropy award season and directed the Hoosiers to their first national championship. He is expected to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders. His teammante, corner D’Angelo Ponds also entered the NFL Draft after an excellent 2025 performance especially in big games. He projects to the 2nd day of the NFL Draft 2026.
Miami RT Francis Mauigoa also declared after an outstanding 2025 performance. He projects near the top of a very talented 2026 class and most likely a top ten selection. Indiana OT Carter Smith announced he will be returning to the Hooisers. No official word from Indiana wideout Omar Cooper on his decision.
