The 2026 NFL Draft is hours away, and all eyes are on Fernando Mendoza—the Heisman Trophy winner expected to hear his name called first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. But just before the big moment, a new detail about the quarterback's past has emerged, and it's turning heads for all the right reasons.
According to sports business insider Darren Rovell, Mendoza carried a staggering 4.7 GPA during his high school years—one of the highest in his graduating class. That academic excellence earned him an initial commitment to Yale University, where he planned to study economics before ultimately choosing Cal-Berkeley.
Fans have been quick to react. “4.7 is crazy for anyone let alone an athlete,” one fan posted. “How much higher does it even go.” Another predicted, “Kid’s going to be president someday.” It’s a testament to the discipline and character that have defined Mendoza's journey—not just on the field, but in the classroom.
While the Raiders are widely expected to take Mendoza with the top pick, the quarterback himself will be watching from his home in Florida rather than attending the draft in Pittsburgh. The decision was a family one: his mother lives with multiple sclerosis, and staying home makes it easier for relatives to celebrate together.
“Pittsburgh is a great opportunity and it’s a great venue, and I’m really excited to see most of the guys walk across the stage on Thursday night,” Mendoza said on the Rich Eisen Show. “It’d be a dream for a lot of guys, however, my mom really wanted to do it at home, and so did my parents. It was a lot easier for us, especially with the family situation.”
Mendoza's choice to stay home also reflects his leadership style. He wanted to share the moment with the full network of people who helped him get here. “I wanted to stay and make the memory with everybody who poured into my football journey,” he explained. “Mentors, coaches, family, friends—to be able to share that moment with all of them, is going to be the best memory that I can make, rather than limiting it to 10 or 12 people in Pittsburgh.”
That same grounded approach has been evident since high school. Mendoza not only excelled academically but also developed the poise and work ethic that eventually made him the 2025 Heisman winner. He earned his degree from UC Berkeley before entering the transfer portal and playing his final season at Indiana University.
As the draft approaches, the spotlight isn't just on Mendoza’s arm strength or mobility—it's on his character. And a 4.7 GPA from a future NFL star? That’s the kind of stat that resonates far beyond the gridiron. For more on draft-night drama, check out Greenberg Stands Firm: No Apologies for Political Stance Ahead of NFL Draft and Laura Rutledge Gets Chills: Inside the 2026 NFL Draft Stage Setup.
The first round kicks off at 8 p.m. ET tonight. If the projections hold, Mendoza will become the newest face of the Raiders franchise—and the smartest guy in the room, both on and off the field.
