The Las Vegas Raiders have selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, marking the culmination of an extraordinary journey from overlooked two-star recruit to top prospect.
From Underdog to Top Pick
Mendoza, 22, led Indiana University to its first national championship and won the Heisman Trophy last season. Despite limited interest from colleges coming out of high school, he posted remarkable numbers for the Hoosiers, completing 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions.
Next Challenge: Reviving the Raiders
The Raiders, who have not won a playoff game in 24 years, are counting on Mendoza to turn the franchise around. He will not be rushed into the starting lineup, instead learning from veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and part-owner Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion whom Mendoza idolized growing up.
Mendoza missed the draft festivities in Pittsburgh, choosing to celebrate with family in Miami. He is set to travel to Las Vegas on Friday to begin his NFL career.
He is the fourth consecutive quarterback selected first overall, following Cam Ward, Caleb Williams, and Bryce Young. It marks the 10th time in 12 years that a quarterback has been the top pick. None of the previous 10 have won a Super Bowl, though Jared Goff and Joe Burrow each started one.
In 2024, six quarterbacks were taken among the top 12 picks. Four have already won playoff games, and Drake Maye was the 2025 MVP runner-up and started the Super Bowl.
Mendoza is determined to prove his critics wrong once again, as he embarks on a journey to lead the Raiders back to contention.
