The Las Vegas Raiders are staring down one of their most crucial offseasons in recent memory. With a franchise-defining decision looming at both head coach and quarterback, the choices made in the coming months could shape the next decade of Raiders football. And while the coaching search continues - potentially stretching into February, given that some top candidates are still coaching in the playoffs - the quarterback question feels a lot more straightforward.
Enter Fernando Mendoza.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner and National Champion from Indiana is widely expected to go No. 1 overall in April’s NFL Draft, and all signs point to Las Vegas being the team to hand him the keys to their offense. Mendoza’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular, and if the Raiders want to maximize his potential, they’ll need to do more than just draft him - they’ll need to build around him.
That means smart staffing. That means targeted roster additions. And that might just mean bringing a few familiar faces from Bloomington to Vegas.
Why Surrounding Mendoza with Familiar Talent Matters
Let’s be clear: Mendoza didn’t just win a title - he led Indiana to its first national championship in program history, capping off a dream season with a 27-21 victory over his hometown Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. That’s the kind of full-circle moment you script for a movie, not a college football season.
The numbers back it up. Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six picks, completing 72% of his passes.
He added another 276 yards and seven scores on the ground. This wasn’t just a quarterback leading a good team - this was a quarterback carrying one.
And he did it with a strong supporting cast that could help ease his NFL transition if reunited.
Here are five Indiana teammates - and one coach - the Raiders should consider bringing aboard to help their future QB1 hit the ground running.
Chandler Whitmer - Co-Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach
Let’s start with the man who helped mold Mendoza into a star.
While Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti has made it clear he’s staying in college - an eight-year extension will do that - his quarterbacks coach Chandler Whitmer could be in play. Whitmer hasn’t been a head coach, but that’s not necessarily what the Raiders need. If they’re looking to replicate the developmental environment that helped Mendoza thrive, Whitmer makes a lot of sense as a potential QB coach or offensive assistant in Las Vegas.
The NFL is all about continuity and comfort, especially for rookie quarterbacks. Having Whitmer in the building could provide Mendoza with a trusted voice as he adjusts to the speed and complexity of the pro game.
Elijah Sarratt - Wide Receiver
If the Raiders want to give Mendoza a familiar target, Sarratt should be at the top of the list.
He was a steady producer throughout his college career, including earlier stops at Saint Francis and James Madison before landing at Indiana. In 2025, he became one of Mendoza’s go-to guys, hauling in 65 catches for 830 yards and a nation-leading 15 touchdowns.
Sarratt’s size, route-running, and red-zone ability make him a solid Day 2 draft target, especially for a Raiders team that could use more depth at receiver. Pairing him with Mendoza in Vegas would give the rookie quarterback a security blanket he already trusts - and that kind of chemistry is hard to teach.
Omar Cooper Jr. - Wide Receiver
If Sarratt’s off the board, Cooper Jr. offers another strong option - and another familiar face.
Cooper took a major step forward in 2025, posting 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. He even added a rushing score, showcasing some versatility that could be appealing to an NFL offense looking for dynamic weapons.
While it’s unlikely the Raiders double-dip at wide receiver early, Cooper could be a value pick late on Day 2 or early on Day 3. He’s got the production, he’s got the rapport with Mendoza, and he brings a different skill set to the table than Sarratt - more yards-after-catch ability and open-field elusiveness.
Pat Coogan - Center/Guard
Protecting a rookie quarterback starts in the trenches, and Coogan could be a name to watch when the Raiders address their interior offensive line.
With Jackson Powers-Johnson already in the fold, the Raiders have a foundational piece up front. But whether he ends up at guard or center might depend on who else they bring in. Coogan offers flexibility - he can play both spots - and he brings experience and leadership from a national title-winning unit.
He’s not projected to go early, which makes him a savvy late-round target. For a team looking to build cohesion up front and give Mendoza a familiar voice in the huddle, Coogan could be a smart addition.
Roman Hemby - Running Back
The Raiders are set at RB1 with Ashton Jeanty, but depth matters in today’s NFL - and Hemby could be a sneaky-good option to round out the backfield.
He wrapped up his college career with 1,120 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, plus another 165 yards through the air. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable, and he understands how to operate in an offense built around Mendoza.
Projected as a late-round pick or even a priority free agent, Hemby wouldn’t cost much, and he could be the kind of plug-and-play backup that helps keep the offense rolling when Jeanty needs a breather.
The Bottom Line
Drafting Fernando Mendoza is just the first step. For the Raiders to truly turn the page and build a sustainable contender, they’ll need to create an environment where their new quarterback can grow - and win.
That means giving him coaches he trusts. It means putting weapons around him who already know how to get open when he rolls out. It means building a line that gives him time and confidence in the pocket.
And if that means bringing a little bit of Indiana to the desert, so be it.
The Raiders have a golden opportunity in front of them. With the right moves, this could be the start of something special in Las Vegas.