Fernando Mendoza is writing his own storybook dream on the football field. From college football transfer to Big Ten champion to Heisman Trophy winner, the Indiana Hoosiers star quarterback is in for a brighter future in the NFL.
In beating out Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, Notre Dame running back Jermiyah Love and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, Mendoza solidified himself as the top quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft if that hasn’t been already established.
In leading the No. 1 ranked Hoosiers to the top seen in the 12-team College Football bracket, Mendoza still has some work to do, but when it comes to the draft, he is a prospect quarterback hungry teams will be coveting. If his 2025 stats that include 2,980 passing yards and 33 touchdowns aren’t enough to secure him as a top NFL prospect, his poise in the pocket, quick processing in getting the ball to the right spots, sneaky athleticism and leadership will win over a team.
As a projected top 5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, what lies ahead for “HeismanDoza” in the NFL? In looking back at NFL history and the last five Heisman Trophy winners, NFL Mocks looks at where each was drafted and how they are performing in the NFL.
Last five Heisman Trophy winners are making their mark in the NFL
2020 Heisman Trophy winner: DeVonta Smith, WR – Alabama Crimson Tide
In 2020, Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith beat out quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence, Mac Jones and Kyle Trask for the iron trophy after putting together a season in which he hauled in 98 receptions for 1,511 receiving yards and 17 touchdown passes.
As one of the top wideouts entering the 2021 NFL Draft, Smith was selected with the No. 10 overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles. Although slender in size, Smith’s elite route-running and big play ability has helped the Eagles rise as a Super Bowl winner.
Although not noted as one of the top receivers in the NFL, Smith has averaged over 900 yards a season since he entered the league in 2021. His best season came in Year 2 when he caught 95 passes for 1196 yards and 7 touchdowns. So far in 2025, Smith is on pace for another 1,000-yard season with 64 receptions for 839 yards and 3 touchdowns.