Mendoza drops a major NFL Draft hint.

Fernando Mendoza is focused on the NFL Draft. The Indiana quarterback usually talks about his training and preparation. However, on Friday, he shared a few hints about where he might want to play in the future.

Mendoza appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and spoke about his football plans. He talked about the offensive systems he studies and the coaches he respects. One coach, in particular, stood out during the conversation.

The projected No. 1 overall pick spoke very positively about Klint Kubiak. Mendoza said he really likes the style and structure of Kubiak’s offense. His comments quickly gained attention around the league.

Fernando Mendoza: Familiar System, Clear Fit

Fernando Mendoza (Image Credits: Imagn)
Mendoza told McAfee that he is already familiar with parts of Kubiak’s offensive system. He said Indiana used a similar style during his college career. Moreover, he mentioned outside zone running plays, play-action passes, and bootleg plays as examples.

“We actually had a little bit of a Kubiak, kind of McVay system,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza said Kubiak’s success with quarterbacks is a big reason he respects him. He pointed to Sam Darnold’s recent improvement under that coaching style and said it impressed him.

The young quarterback also showed strong football knowledge. He talked about details that many players his age do not focus on. Mendoza said he studied Kubiak’s offensive system long before any draft rumors started. His comments showed how closely he follows the NFL.

Mendoza used real teams as examples, mentioning the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, who are playing in Super Bowl LX. He said both teams rebuilt quickly by using the right system and good planning.

The Heisman Trophy winner also spoke about Tom Brady, who now owns a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. Mendoza told Colin Cowherd that he admires Brady’s discipline and work ethic.

He said, “I read the TB12 book. I was always big on preparation. Because, like Tom, I’m not the biggest, I’m not the fastest, I’m not the strongest. But the edge is in the intellect and preparation.”

The Raiders hold the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and many expect them to choose a quarterback. Mendoza’s praise for Kubiak and Brady has increased speculation about a possible connection.

Mendoza says he is staying focused on his development and the draft process. However, his comments suggest he may already have a preferred destination. Las Vegas needs a long-term quarterback, and Mendoza fits that role. He understands the type of offense the team wants to run and respects its leadership.

For now, Mendoza is preparing for workouts, interviews, and draft day. His future is still uncertain, but he looks ready for the next step.

Luka Doncic ‘destroys’ the Mavs on his return. Gets standing ovation and shows love to Mark Cuban

Luka Doncic hits 45 points in his first game in Dallas since being traded to the Los Angeles.

It’s rare for a home crowd to cheer the visiting team, but Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas was no ordinary night.

Just days before February’s trade deadline, the Mavericks shocked the NBA by sending their 26-year-old superstar to the Lakers—a move that outraged fans and sparked backlash toward GM Nico Harrison.

On Wednesday, Doncic played his first game back in Dallas since the trade. The arena was filled with fans in both his old Mavs and new Lakers jerseys, many chanting “Fire Nico” in protest.

Despite the emotion in the air, Doncic delivered a dominant performance, scoring a game-high 45 points to lead the Lakers to a 112-97 win. It was a powerful return for one of the league’s brightest stars—and a night Dallas won’t soon forget

The Mavericks pay tribute to Luka Dončić

While the Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic remains heavily criticized, they handled his return to Dallas with undeniable grace. The organization made sure his first game back as a Laker was met with respect and appreciation.

Every seat in the arena was draped with a T-shirt reading “Hvala za vse,” which translates from Slovenian to “thank you for everything.” It was a thoughtful nod to Doncic’s heritage and impact on the franchise.

Before tip-off, during the starting lineup announcements, the Mavericks played a tribute video showcasing some of Doncic’s most iconic moments in a Dallas jersey. The emotional gesture clearly resonated—moving Doncic to tears in front of the crowd that once called him their own.

Luka Doncic ‘DESTROYS’ his old team

Luka delivered a dazzling performance against his former team, putting up 45 points on 16-of-28 shooting, including 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. He also added 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals in a game that showed exactly why he’s one of the best in the league.

From the opening tip, Doncic was locked in. By halftime, Doncic had racked up 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting in just 19 minutes—marking the 10th time in his career he’s scored 30 or more in a single half.

Though his scoring slowed in the second half, he continued to lead effectively, securing both a Lakers win and an unforgettable showing for the fans in Dallas.