Raiders Linked to Heisman QB Fernando Mendoza as Top Draft Target

As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for a major offseason rebuild, one name has rapidly risen to the top of draft discussions: Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza — the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner who could be the first overall pick in the

2026 NFL Draft. With Las Vegas owning that coveted No. 1 slot, many analysts and insiders now believe Mendoza is the favorite to be selected first and become the franchise’s long‑awaited quarterback of the future.

Mendoza has dominated headlines throughout college football this season, leading Indiana to an undefeated regular season and a Big Ten title while showcasing precision passing, leadership, and consistent decision‑making. His strong résumé includes 3,172 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, with an exceptional completion rate and efficiency that NFL scouts have praised.

Las Vegas clinching the No. 1 overall pick provides the perfect platform for the Raiders to address their most pressing need: securing a franchise quarterback. After a disappointing 3‑14 campaign and the conclusion of the

Geno Smith era, selecting a signal‑caller with long‑term potential has become a top priority.

And Mendoza’s combination of leadership, football IQ, and on‑field performance has many draft experts treating him as the

probable No. 1 pick — though some teams and pundits believe other quarterbacks could shake up the order, particularly Oregon’s Dante Moore in the mix.

But for now, Mendoza’s deep college body of work — capped by winning college football’s most prestigious individual award — gives him a leading edge when projecting the draft board.

While draft boards continue to shift and speculation grows, some current and former NFL players who’ve seen Mendoza on film or in interviews have weighed in on what he could bring to the next level.

Maxx Crosby, one of the Raiders’ own defensive stars, offered a playful but genuine reaction after watching Mendoza’s interviews gain traction around the league:

“I’ve gotta say, when I saw him talk after that game — man, that interview was wild,”

Crosby said. “But look, I’m a fan now. The kid’s got personality, he’s got confidence, and more importantly he’s got that winning mentality. That’s real. Guys like that come in and they change things.”

Crosby’s comments highlight how a player’s character and presence — beyond the raw athletic comparison — resonate with teammates and peers, a factor that can matter when projecting how a young quarterback might fit into a pro locker room.

Las Vegas hasn’t drafted a quarterback first overall since 2007, and a Mendoza selection could represent a decisive shift in organizational direction. With the team also searching for a head coach and new offensive leadership, landing a player like Mendoza would signal a full franchise reset and a long‑term commitment to building around a young passer.

Scouts have noted that while Mendoza may not be the most physically dynamic athlete in the class, his poise, anticipation, and field vision are what separate him from the pack — traits many evaluators believe will help him adjust quickly to the professional game.

Of course, the draft is still months away, and other prospects — including Moore and recent entrants like Ty Simpson — could influence how draft boards shake out. Yet with Mendoza’s Heisman season, leadership profile, and the top pick in hand, the pairing between Raiders and Mendoza makes for one of the most compelling narratives of the offseason.

Should Las Vegas select Mendoza at No. 1, it would immediately pivot the franchise’s identity toward a new era — one built around a young quarterback who has already demonstrated significant success and leadership at the highest levels of college football.

And if peer praise from players like Maxx Crosby is any indication, it’s not just Mendoza’s stats that make him intriguing — it’s his confidence, competitive mindset, and the belief that he can be a difference‑maker from Day 1. With team needs, draft order, and a deep NFL QB demand all converging,

Fernando Mendoza’s likely ascension to No. 1 feels more real by the day.