Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, selected No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft's first round, skipped the Pittsburgh event to celebrate in Miami with family amid his mother's battle with multiple sclerosis. The Heisman winner, who led the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 season and national title, now faces immense pressure to revive a franchise with a history of draft woes.
Mendoza capped a legendary senior year with 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, sweeping awards like the Heisman and Manning. He joins an elite group—Cam Newton, Jameis Winston, and Joe Burrow—as the fourth player since 1967 to earn the Heisman, a national championship, and the No. 1 pick. A camera crew captured his emotional home reaction, prioritizing family over the spotlight.
As detailed in our Round 1 draft coverage, new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak lands a cerebral pocket passer praised as college football's best under pressure. For a team scarred by decades of draft disappointments, Mendoza represents hope—but the weight of expectations is heavy.
