As it was widely expected, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. As the reigning Heisman Trophy Winner coming off a national championship season, there was no doubt Mendoza would be drafted first.
While a few outliers aren’t impressed with Mendoza, the vast majority of Raiders fans online were loving the pick.
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It’s safe to say that Raiders fans are pleased with their new quarterback, as they should be.
Mendoza led the Hoosiers to an undefeated 2025 season and a national championship victory. He finished the season with 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions.
While it’s unclear if he will be the starter on Week 1, Mendoza is well on his way to being a franchise quarterback.
James Parker contributed to this story.
