Fernando Mendoza picked first in 2026 NFL Draft. Here's what the Las Vegas Raiders are getting
The Hoosiers were on the field when their former quarterback was taken to open the 2026 NFL Draft. IU knows what the Raiders are getting.
BLOOMINGTON — The Las Vegas Raiders drafted Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick on Thursday night in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza made a little bit more history for the Hoosiers on his way out the door by ending the program’s 22-year drought without a first-round pick and the only IU drafted No.
1 overall in the modern era. Corbett Davis was the previous No. 1 choice out of IU in 1938.
He solidified the top spot in the draft months ago while leading Indiana to a national title with a perfect 16-0 record. There was little drama in recent months as the Raiders didn’t bother to hide their intentions of drafting the Heisman Trophy winner . The moment aired (on a tape delay) during IU’s spring game with his replacement, Josh Hoover, leading the first-team offense.
Hoover has big shoes to fill with Mendoza being responsible for a series of signature moments during IU’s title run culminating with a leap into the end zone against Miami . Buy HeisMendoza, IU title merch! Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza highlights Mendoza had too many HeisMendoza moments to count.