THE LAS VEGAS RAIDERS have taken another step towards drafting star college quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Mendoza, 22, is widely considered to be the 2026 NFL draft‘s top prospect as we enter the final month before the ceremony.

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Fernando Mendoza has been given his date for a visit to the Las Vegas RaidersCredit: Getty

The Raiders hold the first pick of the upcoming draftCredit: Getty

And with the Raiders holding onto the first pick, there has been significant speculation that Mendoza could start his professional career at the Allegiant Stadium.

Now the team has taken the next step on that journey, having booked Mendoza in for a Top 30 visit in two weeks, per reports from Ian Rapoport.

The Indiana Hoosiers play caller is also set to take part in the university’s Pro Day the week prior.

If there are any lingering doubts as to the CFP National Champion and Heisman winner’s credentials, he now has two chances to put them to bed.

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Mendoza’s emergence as an elite quarterback has come at the perfect time for the Raiders.

The Nevadans slumped to a 3-14 losing record last season, and their problem area was clear.

The team put up the worst offensive yards per game rate of any NFL side last season.

That wasn’t helped by the poor performances of starting quarterback Geno Smith, who threw a league-high 17 interceptions on the season.

He was traded to the New York Jets earlier this month, while backup quarterback Kenny Pickett left the team for the Carolina Panthers.

That leaves 27-year-old Aidan O’Connell as the only name on the depth chart at the position.

It is clear that the Raiders will need to invest heavily behind the ball to change their fortunes this season.

But the biggest transfer saga of their offseason has been on defense.

Star pass rusher Maxx Crosby has been the talk of the trade scene after his anticipated exit to the Baltimore Ravens fell through earlier this month due to a knee issue found in his medical exam.

He is now believed to have admirers in Jerry Jones‘ Dallas Cowboys, but it is still not clear where he will be by the time the season begins.