Overview
- Indiana's celebration at the White House on Monday went on without Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, who was confirmed absent by the school.
- Earlier this month, the Las Vegas Raiders rookie said he would not miss offseason team practices, known as OTAs, because he needs to prove himself as a first-year quarterback.
- Trump told the crowd Mendoza called ahead to explain and said the quarterback was a supporter, adding he wanted him to stay with his NFL duties.
- Head coach Curt Cignetti noted that many Hoosiers were also missing for the same reason, saying about 15 players were tied up with NFL training and workouts.
- Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick after leading Indiana to a 16-0 title run, is entering camp in Las Vegas where reports say he could compete with veteran Kirk Cousins for the starting job.