Fernando Mendoza, the former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback who went No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, has made it clear: he won't be cutting a check to Indiana's NIL collective anytime soon.
Speaking to Front Office Sports, the Las Vegas Raiders rookie explained that while he loved his time in Bloomington, his immediate priorities lie elsewhere—namely, his professional football career and a cause much closer to his heart.
No NIL Donations on the Horizon
When asked if he planned to donate to Indiana's Name, Image and Likeness fund, Mendoza didn't mince words. “To be completely honest with you, not at the moment. I haven’t even signed my Raiders contract yet,” he said. “I mean, (I’m) definitely going to consider it in the future. However, as of now, I’m trying to focus on Raiders football.”
His stance comes at a time when college football is increasingly driven by NIL money, with some former stars giving back to their alma maters to help recruit the next generation. But Mendoza, who earned millions at Indiana and stands to make tens of millions more in the NFL, is taking a different approach—at least for now.
Charitable Focus Shifts to MS Fight
Mendoza emphasized that he's still committed to philanthropy, but his giving is directed toward the Mendoza Family Fund, which supports the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. “Actually, I did give a donation to the University of Miami as their part in trying to fight MS. That’s a cause that’s a little bit more dear to my heart, to be completely honest, more than the transfer portal,” he said.
The quarterback's connection to MS is personal, and he's channeling his resources into finding a cure. “Just trying to focus on the Mendoza Family Fund, and putting all my resources and all my focus on my charitable actions at the current moment to fight MS, and hopefully one day find a cure,” he added.
Mendoza's decision not to donate to Indiana's NIL fund doesn't mean he's closed the door forever. He left the possibility open, saying he could revisit the idea once his NFL career is more established. But for now, his attention is firmly on the gridiron and his family's mission.
Interestingly, Mendoza's name has already been in the news for reasons beyond his draft status. He recently filed a trademark for the nickname "Nandolorian", a move that shows he's thinking about his brand even as he focuses on football.
As for Indiana, the Hoosiers will have to look elsewhere for NIL support—at least until Mendoza decides to shift his priorities. And with the landscape of college sports evolving rapidly, his choice reflects a broader conversation about loyalty, legacy, and where former players choose to invest their wealth.
