Raiders sign first-round pick QB Fernando Mendoza - Raiders.com
The Las Vegas Raiders have signed first-round draft pick quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza joins the team after a standout 2025 season at Indiana where he won the Heisman Trophy.
Why it matters
The signing of a high-profile, award-winning quarterback is a major development for the Raiders' roster strategy and future competitive outlook.
HENDERSON, Nev. – The Las Vegas Raiders have signed first round draft pick (1st overall) QB Fernando Mendoza, the club announced Thursday.
The 6-foot-5, 225-pound quarterback spent his final college season at Indiana (2025) after three years at California (2022-24), appearing in 36 career games with 35 starts and completing 691-of-1,008 passing attempts for 8,247 yards, 71 touchdowns and 22 interceptions.
In 2025, Mendoza led the Hoosiers to their first national championship and an undefeated 16-0 season. He started all 16 games and finished 273-of-379 passing (72.0%) for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions. Mendoza was named Heisman Trophy winner, Associated Press Player of the Year, Associated Press All-American First Team, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, All-Big Ten First Team, and the Walter Camp, Davey O’Brien and Maxwell Award winner.
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