The Las Vegas Raiders have officially selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to @RapSheet.
The selection was made official in Pittsburgh, where the Raiders utilized the top pick to secure the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. Mendoza is coming off a historic season in which he led the Hoosiers to an undefeated 16-0 record and a College Football Playoff National Championship.
The pick marks a pivotal moment for the Raiders organization. Under the guidance of minority owner Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek, the franchise has prioritized Mendoza as the cornerstone of their "clean slate" rebuild. Mendoza threw for 41 touchdowns last season and was widely regarded as the consensus top prospect in the 2026 class.
Ian Rapoport shared the official draft call video, showcasing the emotional moment the Raiders' front office informed Mendoza he was the first selection of the night. Mendoza, who was not in attendance in Pittsburgh, celebrated the news with his family as he prepares to lead the franchise in Las Vegas.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting