Raiders pick Fernando Mendoza first in 2026 NFL Draft

Fernando Mendoza was the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This is higher than many other players selected in previous years.
By Newsroom | Sports, American Football |

The Las Vegas Raiders have selected former Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The announcement, made Thursday night, marks a significant moment for both the player and the franchise, which has endured decades of draft disappointment. Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner, was widely anticipated to be the top selection, with analysts praising his toughness and accuracy.

Mendoza's selection fulfills a long-held ambition, as he transferred to Indiana with the explicit goal of reaching the NFL. His collegiate performance, highlighted by a 72 percent completion rate, 3,535 yards, and 41 touchdowns for Indiana, alongside his prior success at California, solidified his status as a top prospect. Notably, he achieved an 8:0 touchdown-to-interception ratio during the college football playoffs. His transition from a three-star high school recruit to a Heisman winner and the top draft pick underscores a remarkable ascent.

Read More: Las Vegas Raiders pick Fernando Mendoza number 1 in 2026 NFL Draft

Fernando Mendoza is ‘ecstatic’ to be drafted by Raiders - 1

Competition on the Horizon

The immediate future for Mendoza in Las Vegas involves competing for the starting quarterback position. He will face established players, including 15th-year veteran Kirk Cousins and fourth-year player Aidan O'Connell. The Raiders' decision to invest the top pick in a quarterback signals a clear intent to rebuild and challenge within the highly competitive AFC West.

A Heisman's Legacy

Mendoza's draft position places him in storied company. He is the 26th Heisman Trophy winner to be selected first overall and continues a trend of high Heisman selections in recent drafts. The Raiders, historically, have drafted a notable number of Heisman winners, with Detroit and the Los Angeles Rams having drafted more. Mendoza's achievement also makes him the first Heisman winner in Indiana University's history.

Fernando Mendoza is ‘ecstatic’ to be drafted by Raiders - 2

Background on Mendoza's Journey

Mendoza's path to the NFL top pick was not without its detours. He spent three years at California, where he threw for 30 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, before transferring to Indiana for the 2025 season. His collegiate career has been marked by a genuine enthusiasm, often evident in his postgame interviews. Analysts have pointed to his decisive decision-making and quick, accurate throws, while also noting areas for development, particularly his tendency to run once he leaves the pocket. His playing style has drawn comparisons to former NFL quarterbacks like Matt Ryan and Jared Goff.

Read More: Raiders pick Fernando Mendoza first overall in 2026 NFL Draft

The Raiders organization demonstrated significant interest, with a large contingent, including general manager John Spytek and coach Kubiak, attending his workouts at Indiana. Mendoza also made a visit to Las Vegas on April 7th. The pressure to end the Raiders' "decades of draft failure" is substantial, with the team having not won a playoff game in 25 years. Mendoza's readiness for this challenge is reflected in his own words: "But now I step into a great game, the NFL, look forward to proving and earning it every single day."

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who did the Las Vegas Raiders pick first in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Las Vegas Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza, a quarterback from Indiana University, as the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night.
Q: Why was Fernando Mendoza chosen as the first pick?
Mendoza was chosen because of his strong college performance, including winning the Heisman Trophy, and his praised toughness and accuracy. He had a 72 percent completion rate and 41 touchdowns in his college career.
Q: What does this mean for the Raiders' future?
The Raiders hope Mendoza will help rebuild the team and make them competitive in the AFC West. He will compete for the starting quarterback job against veteran Kirk Cousins and Aidan O'Connell.
Q: Is Fernando Mendoza the first Heisman winner drafted first overall?
Mendoza is the 26th Heisman Trophy winner to be selected first overall in the NFL Draft. He is also the first Heisman winner in Indiana University's history.
Q: What are Fernando Mendoza's strengths and weaknesses as a player?
Analysts like his decisive decision-making and quick, accurate throws. However, he sometimes tends to run when he leaves the pocket.
Q: What is the pressure on Fernando Mendoza with the Raiders?
Mendoza faces pressure to help end the Raiders' 25-year streak without a playoff win and their history of draft disappointments. He is ready to prove himself daily in the NFL.