Samwise College Football Newsletter
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Heisman Winner Mendoza to Miss Indiana’s White House Visit for Raiders OTA
Indiana’s national championship celebration continues Monday when the Hoosiers travel to the White House, but Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza will not be on the plane. The quarterback who led Indiana to a perfect 16-0 season and a 27-21 CFP Championship Game victory over Miami this past January told reporters Saturday that a mandatory Las Vegas Raiders OTA session prevents him from making the trip. Mendoza, taken first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, acknowledged the difficulty of missing the ceremony and said the Indiana program was understanding of his commitment to his professional obligations.
Sources: 247Sports
Five Players Positioned to Bounce Back in 2026: Lagway, Coleman-Williams, Hughes Top the List
Five players who underperformed expectations in 2025 are drawing attention as potential bounce-back candidates this fall. DJ Lagway transferred from Florida to Baylor with six new offensive starters around him after posting 14 interceptions with the Gators in 2025. Alabama wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams looks to reclaim his standout 2024 freshman production. Running back Makhi Hughes arrives at Houston after a single-season detour at Oregon buried him on the depth chart behind three backs. South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers returns behind a rebuilt offensive line. Wide receiver Nic Anderson moves to Kentucky after a quiet year at LSU.
Sources: Sporting News
2025 Season Final
🏆 Indiana Hoosiers — National Champions (16-0)
Runner-Up: Miami Hurricanes
White House Visit
Indiana team visit: Monday, May 11
Mendoza absent (Raiders OTA)
CFP & Season Outlook
2026 Format
Remains at 12 teams for 2026
24-team expansion: Big Ten vs. SEC deadlocked
Top Portal Classes (2026 Cycle)
LSU — Leavitt QB, 40+ transfers (Kiffin)
Texas Tech — Sorsby (#1 QB in portal)
Baylor — Lagway + 6 offensive starters
Curated by JD · samwise.agency