Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza Speaks Out About Learning from Tom Brady

The 2026 NFL Draft is just under two months away and the expectation is that Indiana Hoosiers star quarterback Fernando Mendoza will end up being the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Mendoza, who is fresh off of winning the Heisman Trophy and the National Championship with the Hoosiers, is likely to become the man given the task of turning the Raiders' franchise around.

Landing in Las Vegas comes with an extra perk for a young quarterback. Tom Brady is a minority owner of the franchise. Mendoza would have an opportunity to learn from one of the best to ever play the quarterback position if he is drafted by the Raiders.

With that in mind, the Indiana star was asked about what he wants to learn from Brady.

"I would say his system and his discipline," Mendoza said. "The way he has a system -- the TB12 Method. I've already read the book. Everything that he's all about is something that I've always emulated as a football player. And anything the coaching staff has as coaching points, like, 'Hey Fernando, we need you to get better at this, this and that,' I'm gonna be like, 'Hey Tom, how do I get better at this, this and that?'"

He continued on, sharing that regardless of where he lands he'll look to learn from former quarterbacks.

"If I get selected by Mr. Spytek and the Raiders. If that does happen, it'd be a great opportunity. But any team I get drafted by, I look forward to utilizing their former quarterbacks as well."

During the 2025 college football season, Mendoza put on a show with the Hoosiers. He completed 72 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. In addition, he picked up 276 yards and scored seven more touchdowns on the ground.

Barring a major surprise, Mendoza will take over as the franchise quarterback in Las Vegas on April 23. Immediately after that final decision is made, Brady should expect to begin mentoring the young signal caller.