Heisman winner and new Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza is projected for Offensive Rookie of the Year contention.
In the most unsurprising selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana Hoosiers quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza first overall.
For months, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Mendoza was heading to Las Vegas, and now he is.
The Raiders did sign veteran QB Kirk Cousins, and there is a path where Cousins begins the year as the starter until Mendoza is ready.
At some point, Mendoza should see snaps as a rookie in 2026, although it might not be right away.
ESPN's Ben Solak made his predictions for Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year, and he has Mendoza in the race for OROY along with Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love and Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate, who went No. 3 and No.4, respectively.
"The path is there for Mendoza to be productive. The Raiders aren't bereft of pass-catching options," Solak wrote. "The Raiders might be run heavy with Ashton Jeanty and rookie fourth-rounder Mike Washington Jr. in the backfield, but remember, it's all about starts and decent play for ROTY quarterbacks. Run heaviness won't hurt too much."
In 2025, it was Carolina Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan who won the award, and New Orleans Saints QB Tyler Shough earned lots of votes despite not starting the season as the QB1 in New Orleans.
So, even if Mendoza starts around 10 games, and if he plays well, he should receive a lot of votes for the award.
Again, the Raiders are going to be patient with their franchise QB, especially with Cousins in town and ready to start some games, if needed.
Both Love and Tate should see plenty of work on their respective teams, and Tate might put up massive numbers with 2025 No. 1 pick Cam Ward as his QB.
Here are Solak's full rankings for OROY, and keep in mind, this is May.
- Fernando Mendoza, QB, Raiders
- Jeremiyah Love, RB, Cardinals
- Carnell Tate, WR, Titans
- Jadarian Price, RB, Seahawks
- Jordyn Tyson, WR, Saints
- KC Concepcion, WR, Browns
- Makai Lemon, WR, Eagles
- Denzel Boston, WR, Browns
- Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Jets
- Carson Beck, QB, Cardinals
- Drew Allar, QB, Steelers
- Antonio Williams, WR, Commanders
Both Beck and Allar have a tougher path to playing time, although Allar's could become more realistic if Aaron Rodgers doesn't return to Pittsburgh.
Price is a sneaky option in the top-five, and the former backup to Love at Notre Dame could see large usage after Kenneth Walker III left the Super Bowl champions to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs and earn a large share of carries.