The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No.1 pick at the 2026 NFL Draft and are expected to choose the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza since leading Indiana University to its first national championship. Mendoza has confirmed that he will not attend the draft in person and will stay home to make the experience easier on his family, particularly his mom who has multiple sclerosis. NBC’s Kaylee Hartung reports for TODAY.

April 23, 2026 Fernando Mendoza Won’t Be at the 2026 NFL Draft: Here’s Why The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No.1 pick at the 2026 NFL Draft and are expected to choose the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza since leading Indiana University to its first national championship. Mendoza has confirmed that he will not attend the draft in person and will stay home to make the experience easier on his family, particularly his mom who has multiple sclerosis. NBC’s Kaylee Hartung reports for TODAY. READ MORE See the Trailer for 'Off Campus' Series Based on Bestselling Books WATCH NOW Ticketmaster Cancels Illegally Obtained Harry Styles Tickets WATCH NOW Spirit Airlines Nears Bankruptcy Bailout From Trump Administration WATCH NOW Saw it on TODAY 3RD HOUR OF TODAY Craig Melvin's Son Joins TODAY on Take Your Kids to Work Day WATCH NOW TODAY WITH JENNA & SHEINELLE Cedric the Entertainer Talks ‘Joe Turner’s Come and Gone’ WATCH NOW SHOP TODAY Shop TODAY's Travel Awards Are Here! See the Best Gear, Clothing, Accessories and More SHOP NOW Send us Feedback Follow us on Facebook More TODAY Newsletters Copyright © 2026 TODAY | 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 View in Browser | Manage Subscriptions | Unsubscribe | Privacy