With the Las Vegas Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, all eyes are on what direction the franchise will take - and more specifically, who will be leading that decision from the sideline. The head coaching search is in full swing, but it’s clear that whoever lands the job will be tied closely to the quarterback the Raiders select with that top pick.
Right now, that pick looks like it could be Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Mendoza, who’s wrapping up a stellar season with the Hoosiers, is not just in the national title hunt - he’s also firmly in the conversation as the first name off the board in April. The Raiders are doing their homework, and they’re doing it in person.
Owner Mark Davis, newly hired GM John Spytek, and minority owner Tom Brady were all spotted in Miami to watch Mendoza up close as Indiana took on the Hurricanes in the national championship game. That kind of presence isn’t subtle - it’s a clear signal that Mendoza is a serious contender for the No. 1 pick.
And why wouldn’t he be? Mendoza’s numbers this season are eye-popping: 3,349 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. He’s already taken home the Heisman Trophy, and if he adds a national championship to his résumé, he’ll enter the draft process with as complete a college résumé as you could ask for in a QB prospect.
But the quarterback decision isn’t happening in a vacuum - it’s directly tied to the coaching hire. According to NFL insider Albert Breer, the Raiders’ choice at head coach will be deeply influenced by their plan at the quarterback position. While Breer notes that the hire doesn’t necessarily have to be an offensive-minded coach, whoever gets the job will need a clear, detailed vision for how to develop a young quarterback - whether that’s Mendoza or another top prospect like Oregon’s Dante Moore, should he declare.
That’s the crux of the Raiders’ offseason: the quarterback and the coach are a package deal. The franchise isn’t just looking for a leader of men - they’re looking for someone who can build an offense around a potential franchise quarterback from day one.
#Raiders owner Mark Davis, GM John Spytek, and minority owner Tom Brady are all in attendance in Miami to watch Indiana QB — and potential No. 1 pick — Fernando Mendoza tonight.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 19, 2026
(📷 @ToneDigz) pic.twitter.com/GOhKfsUzoO
The Raiders haven’t made their decision yet, but the pieces are starting to come into focus. Mendoza’s performance on the biggest stage, combined with the front office’s visible interest, makes him the name to watch. Whether it’s Mendoza or Moore, the direction of the Raiders’ rebuild will be shaped by who’s calling the plays - both on the field and from the sideline.