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Raiders Select Fernando Mendoza With 1st Overall Pick In The 2026 NFL Draft

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 19: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after the College Football Playoff National Championship between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Miami Hurricanes 27-21. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images)

Heisman trophy winner Fernando Mendoza can finally call himself a Las Vegas Raider after being selected with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

“What a great organization, great legacy,” Mendoza said after hearing his name called. “There’s so many teammates I’m looking forward to talking to – coaches, owners. I’m ecstatic for the opportunity.”

Mendoza becomes the first quarterback that the Raiders have drafted in the first round since they drafted JaMarcus Russell with the first pick in 2007. The Raiders are hopeful that Mendoza will be more successful than Russell was, despite being labeled one of the biggest busts in NFL history.

The Raiders are hoping Mendoza can back up veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in the upcoming season as he learns and prepares for when he is given the keys to the franchise.

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It was no secret where Mendoza was headed following a 3-14 year with the Raiders, firing Pete Carroll, and moving on from Geno Smith after one season. Mendoza will be coached by first-time head coach Klint Kubiak, who is coming off a Super Bowl title after being the play-caller for the Seattle Seahawks.

“Whatever team was going to select me would be a good fit, but deep down, in my heart I knew the Raiders are most likely going to be the best fit because of the coaching staff,” Mendoza said. “I think it really fits my play style great.”

The Raiders have more work to do on day two of the NFL draft and should be looking to pair Mendoza with a wide receiver.

Mendoza had one of the greatest years ever for a quarterback, winning the Heisman Trophy and the National Championship and being selected with the first overall pick, joining Joe Burrow and Cam Newton as the only quarterbacks to accomplish this feat.