In the least surprising news ever, the Raiders have selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza out of Indiana with the first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.
We’ve had months to discuss Mendoza’s NFL future, and now we’ll see where the rubber meets the road. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Raiders QB.
Stats and awards
- 2022 (California): Redshirted
- 2023 (California): (9 games played, 8 starts), 1,708 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 92 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns
- 2024 (California): (11 games played, 11 starts), 3,004 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 105 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns
- 2025 (Indiana): (16 games played, 16 starts), 3,535 passing yards, 41 passing touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 276 rushing yards, 7 rushing touchdowns, CFP National Champion, Heisman Trophy winner, Associated Press Player of the Year, Walter Camp Award (nation’s top player), Davey O’Brien Award (nation’s top quarterback), Maxwell Award (nation’s top player)
What the Raiders are getting:
Mendoza is the ultimate story of perseverance and faith in yourself as he went from a low-star recruit to a national champion, beating his hometown
school (Miami) to win it all. Mendoza showed flashes of greatness at Cal, but put it all together to help lead Indiana to the title in his only year with the program. He stood tall in the biggest moments. He made the clutch plays and overcame every deficit that he faced. If you believe in an “it factor”, Mendoza has shown to have some semblance of one. Still, he’s a young player that benefitted a bit from a senior-filled team around him, including a strong run game and a very good defense. At the next level, he’ll have to show he can lead a group of guys more than likely playing for the team that just earned the first-overall pick.
Strengths
- From low-star recruit to national champion, has the intangibles and leadership skills to be the face of a NFL franchise
- At his best when his best is needed, scoring 39 touchdowns with zero interceptions in the red zone during his final two collegiate seasons
- Pocket toughness to stand and deliver with chaos around him
- Doesn’t hesitate to attack zone windows (see Cover 2 shot against Iowa in 2025)
- Prototypical size and makeup for a NFL quarterback
Weaknesses
- A good chunk of production came via contested catch situations where his receivers were forced to win
- Does not show a comfort making plays outside of structure and/or on the run
- Lacks escapability when pocket hits a certain level of murkiness
- Played next to no snaps under center, leaving room for learning curve as a rookie
Athletic Testing/Measurables
- Height: 6’5”
- Weight: 236 pounds
- 40-yard dash: N/A
- 10-yard split: N/A
- Vertical jump: N/A
- Broad jump: N/A
- 3-cone drill: N/A
- Short shuttle: N/A
- Bench Press: N/A
