RismadarVoice Reporters, April 24, 2026
Highly rated quarterback prospect, Fernando Mendoza, widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, has announced he will not attend the event in person.
According to reports, Mendoza has already informed league officials of his decision to sit out the draft ceremony, which is scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh later this month.
His absence comes despite expectations that he would be one of the headline figures of the event.
While no detailed reason has been publicly confirmed, such decisions are not entirely uncommon among top prospects, who sometimes choose to remain with family or avoid the pressures of the high-profile broadcast event.
Mendoza’s decision does not affect his draft status, as he remains a strong favourite to be selected first overall.
Teams are still expected to prioritise the talented quarterback, whose performances have drawn significant attention ahead of the draft.
The 2026 NFL Draft is expected to feature several standout players, but Mendoza’s absence will likely be one of the major talking points leading up to the event.
