Raiders' Shocking Response to Fernando Mendoza's Big 10 Title: You Won't Believe What They Said!

The Las Vegas Raiders are facing a critical juncture as their experiment with quarterback Geno Smith appears to be fizzling out after just one season. With a dismal record of 2-10, the team is likely to be in the market for a new quarterback when the 2026 NFL Draft rolls around. Currently holding the fourth overall pick, the Raiders are positioned behind the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, and New Orleans Saints. Notably, the Saints are the only team in this group that seems poised to seek a quarterback, which could mean competition for the highly regarded Fernando Mendoza from the Indiana Hoosiers.

In a surprising upset, Mendoza led Indiana to a 13-10 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big 10 Championship Game on December 6, showcasing his skills on a grand stage. This performance has placed him in the spotlight as he prepares to take part in the College Football Playoff, where he has the chance to further enhance his draft stock.

If the Raiders do secure the opportunity to draft Mendoza, insights from NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah might have fans hoping for a complete collapse in the final games of the season. Jeremiah praised Mendoza's performance, noting, “Mendoza has a really nice blend of poise and playmaking. He’s been able to slow things down in big moments this year. Those traits translate very well to the next level.” Such attributes are crucial for success in the NFL, making Mendoza a compelling prospect.

The Raiders face a challenging remaining schedule, with four out of their last five games against playoff contenders. The only team they will play that is out of postseason contention is the Giants, making a winless finish a plausible outcome and potentially boosting their draft position.

Arch Manning's Decision Looms

While Mendoza is emerging as a top candidate, the Raiders may also be watching the situation of Arch Manning, the Texas Longhorns quarterback who many expected would declare for the draft. Recent commentary suggests Manning is unlikely to leave Texas just yet. On the December 5 edition of the "Just Win Podcast," sports analyst Ted Nguyen put the chances of Manning declaring for the NFL Draft at “less than five percent.” Nguyen explained that Manning is not in dire need of the money, given the lucrative NIL deals available to student-athletes today, and that his family—particularly his uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning—are guiding him to gain more experience before making a jump to the professional level.

This leaves the Raiders with a significant decision regarding their draft strategy. With Manning likely off the board, they must consider if investing a high pick in Mendoza is the right move. Some analysts, including NFL color commentator Charles Davis, express skepticism about selecting Mendoza so early. Davis remarked, “I feel like we hear that every year, but this year was supposed to be a particular bonanza... I don’t know that he’s top of the food chain. Like, ‘Hey, everybody's got to go get him in the top five.’”

As the Raiders assess their options, it’s clear they are at a crossroads. With the potential for a high draft pick and Mendoza’s rising stock, the decisions made in the coming weeks could shape the franchise's future for years to come. The current season may be a lost cause, but the groundwork for a new era in Las Vegas is being laid, with the quarterback position at the heart of that transition.