Latest Fernando Mendoza Rumors Reveal Raiders Visit Timeline Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders will reportedly host Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza for a Top 30 visit in two weeks, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The Raiders are widely expected to select Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and 2025 national champion, with the No. 1 overall draft choice.

Mendoza is listed first overall to Las Vegas in the latest B/R NFL Scouting Department mock draft.

"While so much around the NFL changed within the last two weeks, this year's No. 1 overall pick remains undisturbed," Brett Sobleski of B/R wrote. "If anything, the Las Vegas Raiders tried to make Fernando Mendoza's life easier as a rookie after bringing in three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum to lead the offensive line and help make presnap calls.

"The Raiders should add another wide receiver or two via free agency or later in the draft. But this pick feels like the closest thing to a slam-dunk with the No. 1 selection since the Jacksonville Jaguars took Trevor Lawrence atop the 2021 class."

Mendoza may be making a visit to Las Vegas in a couple of weeks, but that should become his long-term home after April 23, which marks the first round of the NFL draft.

The former Cal star, who transferred to Indiana last year, led the Hoosiers to a 16-0 record. He completed 72.0 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards (9.3 yards per attempt), 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions. Mendoza also rushed for 276 yards and seven more scores.

B/R NFL scout Dame Parson gave a pro comparison of former Atlanta Falcons star (and 2016 NFL MVP) Matt Ryan with mobility. If the Raiders get that, they'll certainly be thrilled as they look to take positive first steps in a new era led by first-year head coach (and ex-Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator) Klint Kubiak.