Heisman Champ Fernando Mendoza Leads Massive 14-Player adidas Rookie Class

PORTLAND, OR — Fernando Mendoza just finished hoisting a National Championship trophy for the Indiana Hoosiers. Now, the Heisman winner is taking the lead for the Three Stripes. adidas officially unveiled its 2026 NFL Rookie Class today, a 14-player haul that scouts expect will dominate the first round of next month’s draft. Mendoza, the projected No. 1 overall pick, headlined a group that spent the week at the brand’s Portland headquarters for the first-ever adidas Football Pro Day.

Inside the Lab: Mapping the Future of Speed

The atmosphere at the Portland campus felt more like a tech summit than a traditional footwear meeting. adidas opened the doors to its next-generation Innovation Lab, giving the incoming pros a first look at Project R.A.P. (Radical Athlete Perception). This platform uses additive manufacturing to build cleats tailored to how individual players move. Mendoza and Ohio State’s Arvell Reese spent hours in gear testing and custom fittings. They weren’t just trying on shoes; they were providing data for the ADIZERO HORIZON, a cleat built to handle the explosive cuts required in today’s high-speed NFL.

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The class features a heavy concentration of elite talent from top-tier programs. Along with Mendoza, the roster includes Ohio State standouts Carnell Tate, Caleb Downs, and Arvell Reese. Miami’s defensive force Reuben Bain Jr. and Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq also joined the ranks. This group represents the largest collection of projected first-rounders the brand has ever signed in a single cycle. The stadium-sized investment shows adidas is doubling down on football, positioning these rookies alongside established stars like Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons.

“adidas has been part of my story since I got to Indiana, so getting to continue that into the next chapter feels right. Coming to Portland with this class and seeing the innovation and the people — it reinforced that this is where I want to be. I can’t wait to get to work.”
— Fernando Mendoza, Indiana QB & 2025 Heisman Winner

Draft Stock and Future Impact

This signing sends a clear signal to the rest of the industry. By locking in Mendoza, adidas secures the most marketable face in the 2026 class. Mendoza’s 33 touchdown passes and elite efficiency led Indiana to its first-ever title, and his transition to the pros is the biggest storyline heading into April. The inclusion of Caleb Downs and Arvell Reese also ensures the brand has a presence on both sides of the ball in every major market. Expect to see the CLIMACOOL 3D-printed footwear on the sidelines immediately as these athletes transition from campus icons to NFL franchise cornerstones.

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