Fernando Mendoza: From Underdog to NFL No. 1 Pick with the Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza is officially a Las Vegas Raider.

Though the Raiders securing the top pick in the NFL Draft made Mendoza’s selection all but certain, the moment he received the call still carried profound significance for the quarterback.

“There’s been a lot of anticipation over whether I was going to end up here. And nothing was ever for certain except for tonight. When I saw that call, I got a whole lot of chills all over my body, and I was ecstatic,” Mendoza shared during a video call with Raiders media immediately after the selection, as transcribed by the team.

“There’s a lot of emotion even right now. However, I understand this is not the end of the journey—this is a celebration, but it’s also the start of something new. Coach [Klint] Kubiak told me on the phone to stay humble and hungry and to keep learning every single day.”

Why Mendoza Felt the Raiders Were the Best Fit

While Mendoza would have embraced joining any NFL team, he emphasized that the Raiders stood out due to their coaching staff and organizational culture.

“The great ownership—whether it’s Mr. Mark Davis or Mr. Tom Brady—what could be a better situation to walk into?” Mendoza said. “I think all the stars are aligning here, and this is truly a blessing.”

Preparing for Kubiak’s System and the NFL

Mendoza arrives in Las Vegas after an historic 2025 season, where he won the Heisman Trophy and led his team to victory in the CFP National Championship Game. He has already begun studying Kubiak’s offensive system, which emphasizes quarterback decision-making and playmaking.

“I watched a lot of film,” Mendoza explained. “I wasn’t necessarily installing this offense, but I was getting accustomed to under-center play and general West Coast concepts, which do fit under this system. It paid off to take that risk—fortune favors the bold.”

He described Kubiak’s scheme as one that turns the quarterback into “a point guard,” allowing playmakers across the offense to thrive.

“My job is to get the ball to the playmakers—whether it’s the outside receivers, tight ends, running backs, or offensive line—and do my part as one-eleventh of the offense. With such great coaches, I look forward to immersing myself in it.”

A Humble Path to the Top Pick

Mendoza’s rise to becoming the No. 1 overall selection is a story of perseverance. After beginning his college career at California, he transferred to Indiana, where he led the program to unprecedented success before declaring for the NFL Draft.

Even now, he refuses to let go of the underdog mentality.

“I believe I’m still the underdog,” Mendoza stated. “Even though the draft is over and I’ve been selected, I’m now in the NFL—and I can tell you right now: I am not one [who will rest on his laurels].”