The Las Vegas Raiders named rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza their starting quarterback on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, ahead of Sunday’s home game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Mendoza, the 2026 No. 1 overall draft pick, will make his first career NFL start. He appeared in Week 5 against the New England Patriots, completing six of eight passes for 48 yards in a loss.
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The decision followed the Raiders’ trade of veteran Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings on the same day. Cousins started nine games this season, throwing for 2,340 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His final start came in Week 9 against the San Francisco 49ers, where he completed 22 of 32 passes for 216 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in a 38–17 loss.
General manager John Spytek announced the move and said Mendoza “passed every test.” Spytek emphasized that the change does not mean the Raiders are abandoning their 2026 playoff hopes. The team is at 4–5 and still in the playoff hunt.
Coach Klint Kubiak said Mendoza exceeded the team’s expectations in practice. Kubiak cited improvements in Mendoza’s accuracy, command of the offense, huddle management and execution in two-minute drills. Mendoza studied the game plan late into the night on the indoor practice field and wore his helmet during games while observing from the sideline.
The Raiders selected Mendoza out of Indiana, where he won the Heisman Trophy and led the Hoosiers to their first national championship. He threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns with a 72% completion rate and 90.3 QBR.
Spytek said the Raiders discussed development timelines with Mendoza before the draft and planned to begin the season with Cousins as starter — pending Mendoza’s readiness. Cousins helped the Raiders surpass last season’s win total and was credited by Spytek and Kubiak with helping establish a new culture in Las Vegas.
Mendoza’s first start comes Sunday at home against the Seattle Seahawks.
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