Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza Drops a BOMBSHELL: Will the Raiders REALLY Pick Him No. 1 in 2026? You Won't Believe the Fallout!

In a move that has sent ripples through the sports world, Fernando Mendoza, the standout quarterback from Indiana University, has announced his intent to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. Following an electrifying season that culminated in a perfect 16-0 record and the university's first national championship, Mendoza is widely seen as the frontrunner for the No. 1 overall pick in next April's draft.

Mendoza's remarkable achievement was highlighted in the national championship game against the University of Miami, where he rushed for a crucial touchdown in a 27-21 victory. This play has quickly become a defining moment in Indiana football history. Reflecting on the pivotal moment, Mendoza noted his surprise at Miami's defensive alignment before the touchdown run. “We called the quarterback draw and we were hoping they’d do a [cover] 2 Tampa drop eight... However, they didn’t come out in that,” he explained to ESPN. “...play clock rolling down, I’m like, 'Screw it, here we go.'” His decisive run not only secured the win but also marked his 48th touchdown of the season, a remarkable feat that included 41 passing touchdowns and seven rushing touchdowns while completing 72% of his passes and throwing for over 3,500 yards with just six interceptions.

Having transferred from the University of California, Berkeley, to Indiana for his final college season, Mendoza made an immediate impact. He displayed remarkable consistency, recording five games with more touchdowns than incompletions. In the title game, he completed 16 of 27 passes for 186 yards, far exceeding expectations established in Indiana's earlier playoff games, where he threw eight touchdown passes to merely five incompletions.

The announcement of Mendoza's draft declaration seemed inevitable, particularly after Indiana's acquisition of TCU quarterback Josh Hoover, who has one year of eligibility left. This move indicated that the Hoosiers were preparing for life after Mendoza, solidifying his impending departure to the NFL.

The Raiders' Quarterback Dilemma

As Mendoza sets his sights on the NFL, the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in urgent need of a quarterback. After posting a dismal 3-14 record in 2025 and locking in the No. 1 overall pick due to a loss against the New York Giants in Week 17, the Raiders must address their quarterback situation. This need became even clearer after former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, acquired with high hopes, struggled considerably. Over 15 games, Smith completed 302 of 448 passes for 3,025 yards but also threw 17 interceptions—two more than any other quarterback in the league that season. Following a disappointing campaign, head coach Pete Carroll was let go, leaving Smith's future with the franchise uncertain.

Smith's contract includes a hefty $26.5 million cap hit for the upcoming season as part of a two-year extension. However, Las Vegas has the option to release him after the 2026 season without incurring any dead money on their salary cap, making the prospect of drafting Mendoza even more enticing.

Mendoza's potential selection would place him in elite company; he would join the ranks of quarterbacks like Cam Newton and Joe Burrow, who also won both the Heisman Trophy and a national title before being selected first overall in the NFL Draft. According to a recent mock draft by Charles McDonald from Yahoo Sports, Mendoza is regarded as the best quarterback in this upcoming draft. “The Raiders need a quarterback. Mendoza is the best one in the draft. Easy,” McDonald stated. “...he fits the profile of a top-10 pick with his ability to run the offense at a high level, strong arm talent, and enough mobility to keep plays alive under duress.”

With Mendoza's impressive stats and unique skill set, he is primed to have a significant impact not only in the NFL but also in the ongoing evolution of the quarterback position. As the 2026 draft approaches, all eyes will be on Mendoza and the Raiders as they navigate their critical decisions for the future.