Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza could be the Raiders' future. Securing the top pick positions Las Vegas to land this star quarterback.
It is no secret that the Las Vegas Raiders need to bring in another quarterback. Even if Geno Smith bounces back in 2026, he is nearing the end of his career, and a young signal-caller in Las Vegas could do wonders for a team that has been a QB carousel since Derek Carr left.
In Week 17, the Raiders lost to the New York Giants, 34-10, which improved their chances of landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
And, that likely means first dibs at Indiana Hoosiers star and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.
In a recent mock draft by Josh Edwards of CBS Sports, he had the Raiders selecting Mendoza. However, it was at No. 2 with Oregon Ducks star Dante Moore going first overall to the Cleveland Browns.
"Las Vegas' roster is so thin that the Raiders may want to consider trading down if the option is afforded to them. The opportunity to draft a franchise quarterback doesn't come around often, however, making it a difficult proposition to bypass. Mendoza has been the most consistent passer in college football this season, with accuracy and anticipation that stand out."
Now, keep in mind this was released before the Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers and before the Raiders lost in Week 17.
Still, Mendoza being pegged to the Raiders is a move that makes a lot of sense.
Moore has been commonly projected to Las Vegas, but those mocks also had Mendoza going elsewhere at No. 1.
Now, the Raiders are in the driver's seat for the top pick, and that would likely mean Mendoza going to Las Vegas to throw passes to Brock Bowers and company.
Mendoza played his college career at Cal Berkeley before transferring to Indiana this season, and it has been an unreal turnaround for the talented quarterback.
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN had Mendoza as the No. 2 on his big board with Moore at No. 1 and here's what he wrote about Mendoza.
"Mendoza transferred to Indiana after playing two seasons at Cal, and his game has taken off. The key? He has cut down on sacks, with only 18 so far this season after taking 41 in 2024. Mendoza is getting the ball out quicker. And while he doesn't have a huge arm, he can make all the necessary NFL-level throws. His ball placement is fantastic. I wouldn't consider him a dual threat, but Mendoza also has enough mobility to pick up first downs as a scrambler."
The Raiders could use a new, exciting young QB, and who better than somebody who just won the Heisman Trophy?