The Las Vegas Raiders have been wandering the quarterback wilderness for the better part of two decades. Derek Carr gave them a brief reprieve-a steady hand who helped keep the ship afloat-but the search for a true franchise cornerstone under center has remained a frustrating saga. Now, holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Raiders may finally be staring down their best chance at ending that drought.
Enter Fernando Mendoza.
The Indiana quarterback is fresh off a Heisman-winning campaign and a storybook national title run that has catapulted him to the top of every draft board. For Las Vegas, he’s not just a prospect-he’s a potential turning point. A quarterback with the tools, the temperament, and the leadership to change the trajectory of a franchise that’s been stuck in neutral for far too long.
And if anyone knows what it means to carry the weight of the Silver and Black on your shoulders, it’s Rich Gannon.
The former NFL MVP and the last Raiders quarterback to lead the team to sustained success recently weighed in on Mendoza’s arrival during an appearance on Raider Nation Radio. Gannon didn’t hold back in his praise for the young signal-caller, highlighting both his physical gifts and his intangibles-especially his leadership.
“I think the leadership things will come very natural to him,” Gannon said. “I think physically he has a lot of the skill sets. The other thing is the ability to process…”
That last part matters. A lot.
Mendoza’s story is already compelling-Heisman winner, national champion, and now the presumed top pick in the draft-but the leap from college stardom to NFL success isn’t just about arm strength or college accolades. It’s about how quickly a quarterback can process the speed, complexity, and unpredictability of pro defenses.
According to Gannon, Mendoza has that mental makeup. He’s a student of the game, someone who thrives in the film room as much as he does on the field.
That sentiment was echoed at the Senior Bowl by Indiana running back Kaelon Black, who spoke glowingly about Mendoza’s leadership and work ethic. It’s clear that Mendoza isn’t just a star talent-he’s someone teammates believe in. And in a league where locker room dynamics can make or break a young quarterback’s development, that kind of respect goes a long way.
But as Gannon also pointed out, the quarterback is only one piece of the puzzle.
If the Raiders want Mendoza to succeed, they need to do right by him. That starts in the trenches-bolstering an offensive line that’s been inconsistent in recent years.
Giving a rookie quarterback time to throw and a clean pocket to work from is non-negotiable. Then there’s the matter of surrounding him with weapons.
A true No. 1 wide receiver would go a long way in helping Mendoza settle in, and a reliable run game would take some of the early pressure off his shoulders.
And let’s not forget the defense. Complementary football is the name of the game in today’s NFL.
If Mendoza is constantly playing from behind or forced into shootouts, his learning curve will be that much steeper. A defense that can get stops, create turnovers, and give him short fields will be crucial in his rookie year.
The pressure is real. Being the No. 1 pick comes with expectations, and being the face of the Raiders-especially in a city like Las Vegas-adds another layer of scrutiny.
But Mendoza might just be built for this. He’s got the pedigree, the poise, and the presence.
And for a franchise that’s spent years chasing stability at the most important position in sports, that’s a reason to believe.
No one’s crowning him the next Rich Gannon just yet. But for the first time in a long time, the Raiders have a quarterback prospect who feels like more than just a temporary fix. Mendoza might not be the final piece-but he’s the first piece that truly matters.