Feb 6, 2026, 03:02 PM ET

“The combine, I don’t think throwing’s going to be a priority just because it’s such a quick turnaround.”

Mendoza had previously said he would attend the combine in Indianapolis taking place Feb. 23 to March 2 but wouldn’t participate in drills.

He’s going pro after a historic season with the Hoosiers. Mendoza was the Heisman Trophy winner last season as Indiana went undefeated and won the national title — all firsts in program history.

He is an overwhelming favorite to be taken No. 1 by the Las Vegas Raiders. Raiders majority owner Mark Davis, minority owner Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek were all on Indiana’s sideline for the No. 1 Hoosiers’ 27-21 victory over No. 10 Miami in the CFP National Championship game.

Asked about the potential of joining the Raiders — and the expected hiring of Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as coach — Mendoza told “The Pat McAfee Show” that he was keeping his focus on the draft process. He did compliment Kubiak’s development of Sam Darnold and called Brady “a huge football idol of mine.”

Some of “his guys” from Indiana who are joining Mendoza in the NFL draft are wide receivers Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt. Both were projected as Round 2 picks in Matt Miller’s mock draft this week.

Information from ESPN’s Mark Schlabach was used in this report.