Las Vegas Raiders draft Fernando Mendoza with first pick

The Las Vegas Raiders officially have their franchise quarterback, selecting Fernando Mendozathe Heisman Trophy winner, with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Let’s keep some money…everyone knew Vegas was going to select the former Indiana star QB — it was the NFL’s worst-kept secret — but now it’s officially official.

Mendoza, 22, is coming off an incredible season at Indiana, where he not only led the Hoosiers to a national title, but also experienced immense personal success, winning the coveted Heisman.

The hope in Sin City is that the Raiders Finally having their man at QB, after years of not finding the guy to lead the franchise.

They had the number one pick in 2007, selecting JaMarcus Russellwhich ultimately was a fiasco.

In 2014, they again attempted to find a signal-caller in the draft, choosing Derek Carr with the 36th selection overall. Carr was good, not great.

Since DC left the organization, they have created a mix of players, including Aidan O’Connell, Jimmy Garoppolo, Gardner MinshewAnd Geno Smith.