Raiders Select Fernando Mendoza With First Pick in NFL Draft

Cuban-American QB Fernando Mendoza goes no. 1 to Raiders

Las Vegas took Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall. The Indiana QB led the nation with 41 TDs as the Raiders look to snap a four-year playoff drought.

“There's so many teammates I'm looking forward to talking to, coaches, owners...”

The Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in Thursday’s NFL Draft, banking on the Heisman Trophy winner to spark a franchise that has missed the playoffs four straight years.

The Cuban-American Mendoza was the consensus top pick after leading Indiana to a national championship and winning the Heisman as college football’s best player.

He guided the Hoosiers to an undefeated season and their first national championship, going 273-for-379 for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions.

 

The 22-year-old added 276 yards and seven touchdowns on 90 rushing attempts.

The 91st NFL Draft was held in Pittsburgh at the Steelers’ Acrisure Stadium.

 

Mendoza chose not to attend and watched from home in Miami with family and friends, citing travel concerns for his mother, Elsa, who has multiple sclerosis.

 

ESPN covered the moment in Florida, where Mendoza’s selection was met with laughter and hugs.

“I'm just looking forward to getting to work,” a beaming Mendoza, a Raiders cap perched on his head, told ESPN.

“College was fantastic. I'm so blessed to have that career.

“But now I step into a great game, the NFL. (I) look forward to proving and earning it every single day.“

It's unclear how quickly Mendoza will take over as the starter.

 

Las Vegas needs a franchise quarterback after finishing 3-14 last season.

  

The Raiders haven’t won a playoff game since their Super Bowl appearance in the 2002 season.

  

After the disappointing season, the Raiders fired head coach Pete Carroll and traded former starter Geno Smith to the New York Jets last month.

 

The Raiders also acquired veteran Kirk Cousins, who can start until Mendoza is ready to take over.

“There's so many teammates I'm looking forward to talking to, coaches, owners,“ Mendoza told ESPN. “I'm ecstatic for the opportunity.”

 

Las Vegas calling. 📲#ProIU | @Raiders pic.twitter.com/rZEs7JWqex

— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) April 24, 2026

The Jets shored up their defense at No. 2 overall with Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey, who posted 14.5 sacks last season.

 

At No. 3, the Arizona Cardinals selected Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, the first RB taken in the top five since the Giants picked Saquon Barkley second overall in 2018.

The Tennessee Titans grabbed wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 4, while the New York Giants, entering their first season under coach John Harbaugh, took Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 5.

The Giants also held the 10th pick and selected Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa.