The Las Vegas Raiders have officially selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Mendoza becomes the second player in Indiana University history to be taken with the top selection, following Corbett Davis in 1938. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is coming off a historic collegiate campaign in which he led the Hoosiers to an undefeated season and the program's first-ever national championship. During his final season, Mendoza completed 72 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns.
The selection puts Mendoza in elite company; per @AdamSchefter, he joins Joe Burrow and Cam Newton as the only quarterbacks since 1967 to win the Heisman, a national title, and go No. 1 overall in the same draft cycle. Mendoza is expected to serve as the cornerstone of the Raiders' rebuild under head coach Klint Kubiak and minority owner Tom Brady.
Following the Raiders' pick, the New York Jets selected Texas Tech edge defender David Bailey at No. 2 overall. The Arizona Cardinals remained at No. 3 to draft Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, while the Tennessee Titans took Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 4. The New York Giants rounded out the top five by selecting Arvell Reese, a linebacker from Ohio State.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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