When the Indiana Hoosiers head to the White House on May 11 to celebrate their historic College Football Playoff National Championship win with President Donald Trump, one of their biggest stars might be noticeably absent. But star quarterback Fernando Mendoza has a very good reason—and it's one that any rookie in his position would understand.

Mendoza, who led the Hoosiers to their first-ever national title, was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders last month. The problem? The White House visit falls on the same day as the first day of Raiders organized team activities (OTAs).

"I believe May 11 is the first day of OTAs, if I'm not mistaken," Mendoza said. "If it is on the first day of OTAs, like I said, I'm on the bottom of the totem pole here. I've got to prove myself. I can't miss practice."

Mendoza, who is entering the NFL as a highly touted rookie, knows that showing up and putting in the work is crucial—especially for a first-year player trying to earn the trust of his new teammates and coaches. "I don't know anything official, I don't have a calendar. But as a rookie, I don't think that would be a good look. And I want to best serve my teammates, and I don't know if that would be accomplishing that goal," he added.

It's certainly a tough call for the young quarterback. Missing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate with his college teammates at the White House isn't easy, but Mendoza's decision to prioritize his NFL responsibilities shows a level of maturity and dedication that will serve him well at the next level.

For Indiana fans, it's bittersweet. While they'll be disappointed not to have their championship-winning quarterback alongside them for the celebration, they can take pride in knowing that Mendoza's work ethic is exactly what made him a national champion and a top draft pick. Sometimes, the biggest wins come from the choices you make off the field.