The spectacular Rose Bowl display by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza has sent fans of the struggling Las Vegas Raiders into a frenzy, with many now viewing the upcoming NFL Draft as the franchise's salvation.
A Near-Flawless Performance on the Biggest Stage
Leading the undefeated and top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers to a dominant 38-3 victory over No. 9 Alabama on Thursday in Pasadena, Mendoza cemented his status as the presumptive first overall pick. Despite attempting only 16 passes, the quarterback was devastatingly efficient, completing 14 of them for 193 yards and three sensational touchdown passes.
His yardage total, while not overwhelming against a stout Crimson Tide defence, underscored a season-long trend of remarkable efficiency since his transfer from Cal. Mendoza completed a stunning 87.5 percent of his throws in the Rose Bowl, avoiding risks while surgically picking apart the opposition.
Raiders Fans Declare Their Draft Desire
The performance was a siren call for the league-worst Las Vegas Raiders (2-14), who have effectively clinched the draft's top selection. Their fate can be made official with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. On social media platform X, the fanbase's message was unified and clear.
"He's going to resurrect the Raiders franchise in Vegas," wrote one confident supporter. Another simply stated, "I've seen enough. Fernando Mendoza to the Raiders." The excitement even transcended team loyalties, with a Miami Dolphins fan, noting Mendoza's roots in the city, urging his team to "trade the farm" to move up for the quarterback.
The buzz was captured perfectly by NFL analyst Adam Schein of SiriusXM and CBS, who joked after a brilliant Mendoza throw: "Raiders just deactivated the rest of the roster seeing that Mendoza throw."
The Road to the Number One Pick
While Oregon's Dante Moore remains an outside contender after a strong Orange Bowl showing, the consensus among observers heavily favours Mendoza for the top spot. The Raiders' dire need at the position is undeniable. Veteran Geno Smith failed to replicate his Seattle form under head coach Pete Carroll in Las Vegas, contributing to a passing attack that ranked 27th in the NFL with just 172.8 yards per game.
Although the Raiders have multiple roster holes and may even seek a new coach after Carroll's miserable first season, the quarterback question appears paramount. As one fan prophesied on X, capturing the collective sentiment: "… and with the first pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Raiders select FERNANDO MENDOZA." For a franchise in desperate need of a spark, the Rose Bowl may have provided the blueprint.
