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The Las Vegas Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday night.
Mendoza led the Indiana Hoosiers to a national championship and he won the Heisman Trophy for the year he produced with the team.
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Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza warms up before the CFP National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on January 19, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
The 22-year-old was the projected No. 1 pick in many mock drafts as soon as Indiana finished off the Miami Hurricanes in the national championship. He impressed scouts with his workouts and was, by far, the best quarterback.
Former NFL star Shawne Merriman told PK Press Club Digital what made Mendoza the better guy beyond what the draft reports said.
“He’s the most complete player,” the former San Diego Chargers linebacker said. “I think he’s the most NFL-ready guy that you can just throw on the field and make them play right away. Nothing (against) the other guys. Alabama quarterback (Ty Simpson), there’s some really good quarterbacks in this draft. But that No. 1 pick is special.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza throws out the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida on April 21, 2026. (Rhona Wise/Imagn Images)
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“That No. 1 pick is special because that No. 1 pick solidifies you as the best player in this draft and who a franchise is going to rely on, who they’re going to build their next 5 to 10 years on. That No. 1 pick says a lot about who you are and what you can do for a franchise.”
Mendoza will be responsible for returning the Raiders to glory. The team also brought in Kirk Cousins to help mentor the Florida native as he begins his NFL journey.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza celebrates after defeating the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff national championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on January 19, 2026. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
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Mendoza only played one year at Indiana.
He had 41 touchdown passes and 3,535 passing yards. Indiana finished the year 16-0.
