Raiders Select Fernando Mendoza No. 1 Overall, Make NFL Draft History

The Indiana Heisman Trophy winner is headed to Henderson after the Raiders made their first top pick since 2007.

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday in Pittsburgh, marking the first time the franchise has held that selection since 2007. Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner who led the Hoosiers to their first-ever national championship in football, is expected to travel to the Raiders' Henderson headquarters on Friday for his first official event as a member of the team.

Mendoza's Record-Breaking Season at Indiana

Mendoza went 16-0 as the starter for the Hoosiers in 2025, guiding Indiana to its first-ever national title in college football. He completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions, while also adding seven rushing touchdowns.

Raiders general manager John Spytek was widely expected to make the selection, and head coach Klint Kubiak is also part of the leadership team overseeing the franchise's new direction at quarterback.

Draft Night at Home With Family

Mendoza watched the draft from his Miami home rather than attending in person in Pittsburgh. Appearing on 'The Rich Eisen Show' earlier in the week, Mendoza explained the decision was driven by his family situation. His mother, Elsa, lives with multiple sclerosis.

"My mom really wanted to do it at home, and so did my parents," Mendoza said. "It's a lot easier for us, especially with the family situation."

Henderson Visit and Role on the Roster

Radio host JT the Brick told local media that the Raiders are expected to fly Mendoza to their headquarters in Henderson on Friday for his first official event as a member of the team. Raiders team leaders and the new quarterback were also expected to speak publicly on Friday.

Despite the excitement surrounding the pick, Mendoza is not expected to be the Day 1 starter. The Raiders signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins shortly after Spytek and Kubiak indicated they would prefer not to start a rookie immediately. Cousins is expected to serve as a mentor to Mendoza, who will also have the opportunity to learn from Raiders co-owner Tom Brady.

A Franchise Milestone With Historical Context

It is the first time the Raiders have selected first overall in the NFL Draft since 2007, when then-owner Al Davis chose quarterback JaMarcus Russell out of LSU. Russell appeared in only 31 games for the Raiders over three seasons, going 7-18 as a starter, a record that has made him widely regarded as one of the biggest busts in NFL Draft history.

The Raiders finished the draft with 10 total selections. The team also agreed to trade former first-round pick Tyree Wilson to New Orleans on Saturday, according to reporting following the conclusion of the draft. The Raiders still held nine additional picks after the first round, including the 36th overall selection.

What we know

• The Las Vegas Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, held Thursday in Pittsburgh.
• Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to its first-ever national championship in football, going 16-0 as a starter in 2025.
• Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions, and added seven rushing touchdowns.
• Mendoza watched the draft from his Miami home; his mother, Elsa, lives with multiple sclerosis.
• The Raiders are expected to fly Mendoza to their Henderson headquarters on Friday for his first official event as a member of the team.
• Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was signed to mentor Mendoza, and Spytek and Kubiak indicated they prefer not to start a rookie immediately.
• The Raiders made 10 total selections in the draft and agreed to trade Tyree Wilson to New Orleans on Saturday.
• The last time the Raiders held the first overall pick was in 2007, when Al Davis selected JaMarcus Russell out of LSU.

Why it matters

The Raiders' selection of Mendoza represents the most significant quarterback decision the franchise has made in nearly two decades, and the Henderson-based organization is betting on a 16-0 national champion to eventually lead the team's rebuild. With Kirk Cousins in place as a bridge starter and Tom Brady involved as co-owner, the front office has constructed a development environment around the young signal-caller. How quickly Mendoza develops — and whether the franchise can avoid the fate of past top picks like JaMarcus Russell — will shape the Raiders' trajectory for years to come.

What’s next

Mendoza is expected to arrive at the Raiders' Henderson headquarters on Friday for his first official event with the team. Raiders team leaders and Mendoza were also scheduled to speak publicly on Friday. The Raiders held nine additional draft picks after the first round, including the 36th overall selection, with Rounds 2 and 3 of the draft airing on Friday.

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