Raiders land No. 1 pick Mendoza, eyeing future at QB
The Las Vegas Raiders announced the signing of first-round quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza, a 6‑5, 225-pound prospect, split his college career between California (2022‑24) and Indiana (2025), totaling 8,247 passing yards, 71 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions in 36 games (35 starts). He led Indiana to an undefeated 16‑0 national championship season in 2025, throwing 41 TDs on 3,535 yards with just six interceptions and earning multiple major awards. Mendoza’s college résumé includes a 72.0% completion rate in 2025 and a string of records and accolades, positioning him as the Raiders’ future at quarterback.
- Raiders sign first-round pick QB Fernando Mendoza Raiders.com
- Raiders sign No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza to rookie contract ESPN
- Raiders news: Fernando Mendoza signing rookie contract Silver And Black Pride
- Fernando Mendoza, Raiders at odds over signing bonus. QB remains unsigned USA Today
- Raiders fan survey: When should Fernando Mendoza become the starter? The New York Times
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