Raiders Select Fernando Mendoza Number One Overall in 2026 NFL Draft
SURPRISE! Kidding, it was one of the worst kept secrets in football for months. But the silver and black were not about to pass on the opportunity to have a dominant Heisman winner join their ranks. Therefore, the Vegas organization utilized their first selection wisely. On night one, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza number one overall in 2026 NFL Draft.
With his big time selection now in the books, Mendoza is experiencing a full circle moment. How? Well, he grew up idolizing the undisputed NFL GOAT, Tom Brady. Being in awe as the legendary quarterback racked up and garnered seven Super Bowl titles and rings. Flash forward to 2026, and now Fernando finds himself as a member of a franchise that includes Brady as a partial owner and consultant figure.
Watching Brady transform from a late round pick into one of the best to ever play the game was no doubt a huge inspiration for Fernando. As a child, Mendoza had wanted to quit playing as challenges arose. But with encouragement and Tom’s example; he powered through.
In high school, Mendoza started out as the fourth-string quarterback; but worked his way up the depth chart. Becoming the starter as a junior and leading his team to a 9-0 record during a COVID-shortened season. And he only seemed to hone his skill set more efficiently in college. At Cal, he went from two-star recruit to two-year starter. At Indiana, he secured pretty much every attainable accolade.
The Indiana Hoosiers’ quarterback, won the 2025 Heisman Trophy (presented in Dec 2025) after a stellar season. He led the Hoosiers to a 13-0 record (at the time of award) by passing for 2,980 yards and 33 TDs (with 6 INTs). While adding 6 rushing scores, completing 71.5% of his passes.
In fact, Mendoza won Indiana’s first Heisman. All while completing 226-of-316 passes for over 2900 yards while tossing a nation-leading 33 TDs. Plus, guiding the Hoosiers to a 13-0 record and a Big Ten title. A very talented young man.
Raiders Select Fernando Mendoza Number One Overall in 2026 NFL Draft
Nevertheless, now Fernando Mendoza is entering his next era. His next chapter to help get the Raiders back on track. Last season, the Las Vegas Raiders finished the 2025 NFL season with a 3–14 record, marking their fourth consecutive losing season and a last-place finish (4th) in the AFC West. Under head coach Pete Carroll and GM John Spytek, the team struggled significantly, ranking 32nd in points scored and total yards.
But 2025 is now past, a brighter future hopefully now emerges. The Raiders are aiming to right the ship with the addition of Mendoza. Not long before the draft, the incoming NFL rookie said Brady told him he’s “going to push me, and he’s not going to be all lovey-dovey” if the Raiders draft him. Well, Las Vegas has grabbed him up, so the real work now begins. But it will be exciting to see how Mendoza develops and thrives under Tom Brady’s tutelage.
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