The Las Vegas Raiders are on the brink of a major turning point, poised to secure their franchise quarterback after years of near-misses and temporary fixes. Finishing the season at 3-14, the Raiders have clinched the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, setting the stage for a potentially transformative decision.
This year's draft class features just one quarterback with a first-round grade, and all signs point to the Raiders making the smart move by selecting Fernando Mendoza. The Indiana standout has been a hot topic among analysts, with many praising his high potential. Urban Meyer recently joined the chorus of support, sharing his optimistic view of Mendoza’s future in the NFL.
Mendoza's stellar 2025 season saw him throw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns, boasting a 72.0% completion rate. He also added 276 rushing yards and seven touchdowns to his resume. His performance earned him the Heisman Trophy and a national championship, with his play improving as the season progressed.
Meyer, who analyzed Mendoza's games on Fox Sports' Big Noon Kickoff, spoke highly of him on The Herd, even drawing comparisons to NFL talents like Drake Maye and Alex Smith. Meyer described Mendoza as a "coach on the field" and believes the best is yet to come for the young quarterback. He highlighted Mendoza's significant improvement throughout the season as a testament to his potential.
While Meyer's NFL track record with quarterbacks might raise some eyebrows, his endorsement of Mendoza carries weight. The young quarterback's ability to elevate his game against top-tier competition is a promising sign for Raiders fans.
The Raiders' front office is clearly committed to supporting Mendoza's transition to the NFL, evidenced by the hiring of Klint Kubiak. The challenge now falls to John Spytek to build a roster that maximizes Mendoza's talents and helps him reach his full potential.
With the draft approaching, the Raiders are in a position to redefine their future, and Fernando Mendoza could be the key to unlocking a new era of success in Las Vegas.