Fernando Mendoza scouting report: New Raiders QB’s strengths and weaknesses
After months of discussion, Fernando Mendoza is officially a Las Vegas Raider.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) scrambles past Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) and linebacker Arvell Reese (8) during the Big Ten Conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10.
| Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images In the least surprising news ever, the Raiders have selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza out of Indiana with the first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. We’ve had months to discuss Mendoza’s NFL future, and now we’ll see where the rubber meets the road. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Raiders QB.
Stats and awards 2022 (California): Redshirted 2023 (California): (9 games played, 8 starts), 1,708 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 92 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns 2024 (California): (11 games played, 11 starts), 3,004 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 105 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns 2025 (Indiana): (16 games played, 16 starts), 3,535 passing yards, 41 passing touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 276 rushing yards, 7 rushing touchdowns, CFP National Champion, Heisman Trophy winner, Associated Press Player of the Year, Walter Camp Award (nation’s top player), Davey O’Brien Award (nation’s top quarterback), Maxwell Award (nation’s top player) What the Raiders are getting: Mendoza is the ultimate story of perseverance and faith in yourself as he went from a low-star recruit to a national champion, beating his hometown school (Miami) to win it all. Mendoza showed flashes of greatness at Cal, but put it all together to help lead Indiana to the title in his only year with the program. He stood tall in the biggest moments.
He made the clutch plays and overcame every deficit that he faced. If you believe in an “it factor”, Mendoza has shown to have some semblance of one. Still, he’s a young player that benefitted a bit from a senior-filled team around him, including a strong run game and a very good defense.