Raiders Select Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza as No. 1 Pick in 2026 NFL Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders have made it official: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) is the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Mendoza’s selection was widely anticipated after the Raiders clinched the No. 1 pick earlier this season. His draft profile is built on standout traits, including his competitive toughness—a quality he emphasized in a recent interview.

Why Mendoza Fits the Raiders’ Vision

Mendoza’s game is defined by efficiency and resilience. In a conversation just days before the draft, he highlighted his passing ability as a core strength. When asked to identify a single play that best represented his draft profile—excluding his touchdown run in the College Football Playoff National Championship—he chose a pivotal moment from Indiana’s game against Iowa.

“Although that [run against Miami] looks like the clear-cut answer, that would not be my answer either way, because I like throwing the ball more. I believe I’m a very efficient passer.”

He continued: “I would say the play is not a play that’s been broadcast a lot. It was at the end of the third quarter, or start of the fourth quarter, I believe, against Iowa. I threw a seam route to Elijah Sarratt on the left side of the field. I believe we’re in the minus-30 or minus-25 yard line. And it was just a great play, great connection, it was gritty all around, and that’s the play that I would use.”

Breaking Down Mendoza’s Chosen Play

The play Mendoza referenced occurred late in the game against Iowa, with Indiana trailing by three points and facing a 2nd-and-10 in their own territory. The Hawkeyes initially showed two deep safeties before rolling one down into the box and sliding into single-high coverage.

Mendoza executed a perfect read, delivering a strike on the inside seam route despite pressure from a free runner. The play showcased his poise under duress and his ability to thrive in high-leverage situations—qualities the Raiders value in a franchise quarterback.

In a follow-up question, Mendoza walked through his pre-snap process and decision-making, reinforcing his football IQ and attention to detail.