Fernando Mendoza’s turn is here in Las Vegas.
The No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is set to take over as the Raiders’ starting quarterback after Kirk Cousins was traded to the Minnesota Vikings. The Raiders are at home Sunday against the Seahawks, and Mendoza now moves from apprentice to the top job.
Cousins handled the first nine games for Las Vegas, throwing for 2,340 yards while completing 64.1% of his passes. He finished that stretch with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Mendoza, meanwhile, has only one appearance on his résumé so far: an Oct. 11 blowout loss to the New England Patriots, when he went 6 of 8 for 48 yards.
Even before the move, Mendoza had been openly appreciative of what Cousins meant to him. After the Raiders’ 38-21 loss to the San Francisco 49ers over the weekend, he told The Athletic, "I love 'Star Wars,' I think it's like (Cousins is) Master Yoda out there, and I'm trying to get all the information from him.
He's playing at an MVP-caliber level, and him being so receptive to me, and answering all my questions, and looking out for me is super special. He's stuck his neck out for me and really helped me along the way."
Cousins had already hinted that the handoff could be close. After a loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 25, he said, "If I'm not the best option, then I don't want to be out there. I want our football team to have the best chance to win games," and added, "I feel that (Mendoza) has done a great job and has a great future ahead," while saying he hoped he had helped Mendoza develop.
Mendoza arrives at the starting role after leading IU to last season’s national championship. The Raiders then made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
In Other News...
Indiana Escapes Syracuse But One Hoosiers Concern Still Lingers
Indiana left Gainbridge Fieldhouse with a hard-fought 83-80 win over Syracuse, and the box score offered plenty of reasons for optimism. Four Hoosiers finished in double figures, Darren Harris and Markus Burton led the way with 20 points apiece, and Indiana did enough on the glass and at the line to survive a game that never really settled into comfort.
Still, the margin for error was thin enough to keep the focus on what comes next. Indianas free-throw shooting was sharp and the offensive rebounding helped create extra chances, but Syracuse also found plenty of clean looks and shot 50.9 percent from the field, a reminder that the Hoosiers were pushed far closer than the final score might suggest. [Read more 🡒]
Indianas Syracuse Win Created An Early KenPom Debate
Indianas win over Syracuse did not just add another result to the ledger, it also kicked off an early conversation about how much weight to put on the numbers behind it. The Hoosiers actually slipped a spot in KenPom from No. 46 to No. 47 overall, even as the offensive profile took a noticeable step forward. Better three-point shooting, cleaner work at the free throw line and extra possessions on the offensive glass all helped push that side of the ball from No. 37 to No. 27.
The defense, meanwhile, took the opposite path in the rankings, falling from No. 55 to No. 70, which is enough to make any early-season snapshot look a little uneasy. Still, the broader read on Indianas defensive effort was not nearly as bleak as the number suggests, with the Hoosiers contesting shots well and showing signs that the unit should improve as the season goes on. For now, it leaves Indiana in the familiar spot of trying to sort out what a single game really says about a team still taking shape. [Read more 🡒]
Indianas Pass Rush Faces A Huge Test Against USCs Quick-Strike Attack
Curt Cignetti knows the assignment waiting for Indianas defense this week is not just about getting to USC quarterback Jayden Maiava, but doing it before the play can fully develop. Maiavas quick release and accuracy make him a difficult target to rattle, which puts a premium on Indianas front line winning early and often while the rest of the defense stays disciplined behind it.
Cignetti said the Hoosiers will lean on depth and rotation to keep pressure coming without wearing down, a plan that could matter just as much in the secondary. A.J. Harris remains a name to watch, and Jaylen Bell has drawn praise for his play, giving Indiana some encouraging options as it tries to match up with USCs quick-strike attack. [Read more 🡒]