Former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza is projected to be the first overall pick in this year’s NFL draft. Over the past few weeks, multiple reports have linked him to the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the No.1 pick.

However, the New York Jets are also in contention for the quarterback with the second overall pick. On Wednesday, sports talk show host Jake Asman shared a clip of Mendoza on social media.

In the video, we see him stating how he hoped he would join the New York Jets. The former Indiana quarterback responded with a vague, four-word answer.

“We’ll see what happens!” Mendoza said.

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On Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, Jets general manager Darren Mougey broke his silence on the team potentially trading up for the first overall pick with the Raiders to acquire Fernando Mendoza.

“I talk to Spytek and those guys often, as I with other teams, talking about moving up and moving back, absolutely,” Mougey said. “We’ll talk about all those things. … But I don’t think that’s happening. You can ask Spytek, though.”

Fernando Mendoza had an impressive 2025 campaign with the Hoosiers after three years with the California Golden Bears. He led them to an undefeated national championship while recording 3,535 yards and 41 TDs passing.

The quarterback was also honored with the Heisman trophy for the 2025 season. Mendoza became the first player in the program’s history to win this coveted award.

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Chad Johnson defends Fernando Mendoza amid criticism following his decision to skip the 2026 Scouting Combine

Fernando Mendoza decided to skip the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine and throw during his Pro Day instead. This decision drew a lot of criticism from the NFL world.

However, on Saturday’s episode of “NightCap,” former Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson showcased his support for the quarterback.

“I like that. That’s dope,” Johnson said. “I mean, he doesn’t have anything to prove at this point anyway, so there’s really no need for him to have to throw at the Combine. There’s enough film on him, they know what he looks like, they’ve seen him play in the national championship, and I think for him, you look your best throwing to receivers that you’re familiar with.

“I mean, I don’t know what any other team wants to see. He’s going to the Raiders, no matter what. So, hey, he ain’t need to throw at the combine.”

The 2026 NFL draft will take place at Pittsburgh from April 23 to 25.