Presumed No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza shares candid Raiders thoughts (Imagn Images) Fernando Mendoza did not just lift Indiana to its first national championship. He rewrote his own football story in the process. On Monday night, the Hoosiers stunned the college football world, and by the end of the week, their quarterback stood at the center of the sport’s biggest conversation. With a title secured and his college chapter closed, Mendoza officially declared for the NFL Draft, setting the stage for what many believe is an inevitable rise to the top pick.The timing could not be sharper. Fresh off the championship glow, Mendoza has stepped into the national spotlight, balancing humility with quiet confidence. His recent media appearances were less about celebrating personal accolades and more about signaling readiness for the next challenge. That next step, increasingly, appears to be Las Vegas.
Fernando Mendoza and the Raiders connection
As draft chatter grows louder, Mendoza has addressed the possibility of being selected No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders with calm perspective. “I’d be blessed to play anywhere, and the No. 1 pick is a great blessing, but any pick is a fantastic blessing,” Mendoza said. “You only need one team to believe in you, and any team that believes in me, I’m going to give them my all.”He did not stop there. “The Raiders have a great culture, a great coaching staff, and a great ownership group. It’s all around. Those are legit guys. I’d be happy to end up anywhere.”Those words matter, especially from a quarterback who understands the value of belief. Mendoza began his journey as a lightly recruited prospect at California before transferring to Indiana. From two star labels to Heisman glory, his rise was built on resilience, preparation, and leadership rather than hype.For Las Vegas, the appeal is obvious. The Raiders are searching for stability at the most important position in sports. Pairing Mendoza with weapons like Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers could accelerate a long overdue reset. The caveat, of course, is protection. Building a stronger offensive line will be essential if the franchise wants its rookie quarterback to thrive.The league remains driven by quarterbacks, and the Raiders appear poised to finally secure one who fits their timeline. With cap space, draft capital, and a pivotal coaching hire ahead, Las Vegas controls its own narrative. Mendoza, meanwhile, has already shown he can change a program’s direction. Soon, he may be asked to do the same for an entire franchise.