The Las Vegas Raiders now have their answer. Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza made it official Friday, declaring for the 2026 NFL draft via a social media post that included a highlight video and the message, “Let’s get to work.”
The Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick, and Mendoza is widely considered the top quarterback available after Oregon’s Dante Moore opted to return to school. The junior’s decision was widely expected, especially after the Hoosiers signed TCU transfer Josh Hoover during the open portal window.
Mendoza capped a historic season Monday night, leading Indiana to a 27-21 victory over Miami (Florida) in the College Football Playoff national championship game. The Hoosiers finished 16-0, their first undefeated season and first national title.
On the season, Mendoza completed 72 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions, adding seven rushing scores. He was at his best in the playoff, throwing eight touchdown passes with no interceptions. In the title game, his 12-yard run on fourth-and-4 in the fourth quarter extended Indiana’s lead to 24-14 and proved pivotal.
“My mentors and coaches told me it was time to leave,” Mendoza said jokingly on NBC’s “Today” show Friday. “But all jokes aside, it was the right decision and the right time. I’ve had so many snaps in college football that I’ve been able to develop into a player that I’m proud to think I can be a good pro-level quarterback.”
The Raiders, who fired coach Pete Carroll after one season, have a young core including running back Ashton Jeanty, tight end Brock Bowers and an offensive line expected to add reinforcements. When asked about potentially landing in Las Vegas, Mendoza said, “I’d be blessed to play anywhere. The No. 1 pick is a great blessing, but any pick is a fantastic blessing. You only need one team to believe in you.”
