The Indiana Hoosiers are on top of the football world and are enjoying the perks that come with being national champions.
One of those spoils involves a trip to the White House to commemorate their achievement later this month, but the most popular player from that team might not be there.
USA TODAY Sports covered the conflicted decision former Hoosiers and current Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza faces about the White House visit.
Mendoza might not attend due to a scheduling issue involving his new team.
“I believe May 11 is the first day of OTAs,” Mendoza said. “If I’m not mistaken, I have the calendar — I mean, I don’t have a calendar, so… If it is on the first day of OTAs, like I said, I’m on the bottom of the totem pole here. I gotta prove myself. I can’t miss practice … I’m a rookie. I don’t think that’s a good look.”
#Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza says if Indiana’s White House visit on May 11 coincides with a day of practice, he won’t be able to go:
“I’m at the bottom of the totem pole here. I gotta prove myself. I can’t miss practice. … As a rookie, I don’t think that’s a good look.” pic.twitter.com/flg4VGLiXX
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 3, 2026
New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak is sure to love the dedication of his future franchise quarterback, but it’ll be interesting to see if Las Vegas can make an exception for Mendoza should he want one.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti is expected to make the visit to the White House.
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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Indiana Football: Fernando Mendoza may skip White House trip