PITTSBURGH — The countdown is on for the 2026 NFL Draft, with hundreds of players — including several South Florida standouts — set to hear their names called Thursday night in Pittsburgh.
South Florida native and former Indiana star Fernando Mendoza is widely expected to be selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders following a Heisman Trophy-winning, national championship season.
The 22-year-old quarterback has remained in South Florida in recent days and is expected to celebrate the moment with family rather than attend the draft in person.
Attention is also on the Miami Hurricanes, who could have as many as three — or even four — players taken in the first round.
Defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. and offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa are alos projected to be taken in the first round, while EDGE Akheem Mesidor and defensive back Keionte Scott could also hear their names called later in the round.
Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins enter the night with two first-round picks, Nos. 11 and 30, giving new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley an opportunity to add immediate impact players.
Miami has seven picks in the Top 100 of the draft as of Thursday afternoon.
Miami could look to bolster its roster with local talent, depending on how the board falls.
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.
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