The Las Vegas Raiders have officially drafted Indiana's quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, beginning a new chapter in the franchise.
The Las Vegas Raiders have had a tumultuous offseason.
After finishing the 2025-26 NFL season with a 3-14 record, tied with the Arizona Cardinals for the worst record in the league, Vegas earned the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Dating back to the trade deadline, the Raiders were long rumored to be interested in trading away superstar defensive end Maxx Crosby, and the team believed they had finally found a trade partner in the Baltimore Ravens. After news broke that the two had reached a deal, the Raiders went all-in on acquiring new pieces through both trade and free agency, and then the trade fell apart after a failed physical.
In essence, it was a rough few months for Raiders fans.
Now, the franchise has drafted its quarterback of the future in what appears to be a long-awaited step in the right direction. Indiana's Fernando Mendoza was undoubtedly the best at the position in the 2025-26 season, winning the Heisman trophy and leading the Hoosiers to their first-ever National Title in an undefeated season to boot.
Mendoza racked up 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdown passes and six interceptions, along with 276 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns.
The 22-year-old will join a stellar young offense that includes tight end Brock Bowers (23) and running back Ashton Jeanty (22). This trio has the potential to be a dominant young core that can lead the Raiders to success for years to come.
Mendoza will still have to earn a starting spot, however, as Vegas added veteran QB Kirk Cousins as a mentor for the Heisman winner.
On the reality of a battle for the starting spot, Cousins told the media that "the best player needs to play."
"If that's not me, I don't want to be out there," Cousins said April 8, transcribed by ESPN's Ryan McFadden. "I don't think that's the best thing for the team. If I am the best option, then I believe it's important that those guys are out there. But I'm excited to get the chance to lead, help influence in the locker room, do my part and most importantly, help our team win."
Mendoza has known for quite some time that he's not guaranteed to be the Week 1 starter, though, as the Raiders prepped him months ago -- so this does not come as a suprise to either party. Regardless, many believe that this is a healthy competition and a great opportunity for Mendoza to grow as a player.
Although the quarterback's first start is still unknown, one thing is certain -- the Raiders drafted a stud with potential to lead the franchise to another Super Bowl.