Fernando Mendoza's 2026 NFL Combine Measurements Have Arrived

Fernando Mendoza's 2026 NFL Combine Measurements Have Arrived originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza turned heads at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week, even though he chose not to participate in any on-field drills. The Heisman Trophy winner was nonetheless in the headlines due to his measurements and team interviews.

As detailed by Bleacher Report's Mike Chiari, Mendoza checked in at 6-foot-4 3/4 inches tall and 236 pounds, with a hand size of 9 1/2 inches, arm length of 31 7/8 inches and a wingspan of 76 3/4 inches. Those numbers draw immediate comparisons to Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen, who stands at 6-foot-5 and 237 pounds with similar build traits that have translated to success in the pros.

Mendoza's decision to skip drills at the combine stems from a strategy to showcase his arm talent in a more controlled environment at pro day in April, where he can work with familiar receivers and routes. Scouts and executives still got plenty from his interviews, particularly with the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft.

Reports indicate positive discussions, with Mendoza breaking down plays and expressing admiration for minority owner Tom Brady.

As the presumptive top selection, Mendoza represents a potential franchise-changer for a team like the Raiders, who struggled to another bad record last season and need a quarterback to build around. His combination of size, accuracy and mobility has evaluators buzzing, especially after leading Indiana to unprecedented success in college.

While questions linger about his adjustment to NFL speed and decision-making under pressure, Mendoza's physical tools and intangibles position him as a can't-miss prospect.

In his most recent 2025 season with Indiana, Mendoza delivered a masterful performance that culminated in a perfect 16-0 record and the program's first national championship. He completed 72 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards, tossing 41 touchdowns against just six interceptions while adding 276 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground.

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