Indiana Hoosiers fans, get ready to celebrate—again. The national champions are heading to the White House on Monday to meet President Donald Trump, marking the first such visit for the program after their historic title run. But if you're hoping to see the face of that championship, Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 NFL Draft pick Fernando Mendoza, you'll be disappointed.

Mendoza, who led the Hoosiers to their first-ever national title just a few months ago, will be notably absent from the D.C. festivities. The reason? He's already in full rookie mode with the Las Vegas Raiders, the team that selected him with the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

With Raiders rookie minicamp in the rearview mirror and OTAs kicking off, Mendoza made it clear earlier this month that he can't afford to miss a single day of work. "I'm on the bottom of the totem pole here. I've got to prove myself," he told reporters on May 2. "I can't miss practice. I don't have the calendar, but as a rookie, I don't think that's a good look. I want to try to best serve my teammates, and I don't know if that'd be accomplishing that goal."

An Indiana spokesperson confirmed to USA Today on Monday that Mendoza would not be in attendance. It's a tough call for any rookie, especially one with the weight of being the top pick, but it speaks volumes about his commitment to earning his spot in Las Vegas. After all, he's not guaranteed the Week 1 starting job just yet—and skipping practice for a ceremony, even one as prestigious as a White House visit, isn't the way to change that.

For Hoosiers fans, it's a bittersweet moment. You'll see Curt Cignetti's squad get its well-deserved recognition on the national stage, but without the star who made it all possible. For Mendoza, though, the focus is squarely on the future—and that future starts with showing up every day in silver and black.