Fernando Mendoza Reacts to Joining Raiders' 'Great Legacy' After Being No. 1 Overall NFL Draft Pick

The inevitable became reality on Thursday evening as the Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana quarterback, reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national champion Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday.

Mendoza spoke immediately after the selection.

"What a great organization, great legacy. There are so many great teammates I'm looking forward to talking to; coaches, owners. I'm ecstatic about the opportunity."

Here's a look at how the draft is falling behind Mendoza.

Understandably, Mendoza opted to stay at home in Miami and be with his family and friends for the NFL draft.

He'll be hopping on a plane to Las Vegas soon enough, though, as the Raiders usher in a new era with him at quarterback and former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as head coach.

The Raiders appear as if they'll turn to veteran Kirk Cousins, who got $20 million guaranteed this offseason, as a bridge quarterback before Mendoza is ready to rock. But Mendoza looks like a potential star.

He transferred from Cal last season and led an unbelievable season at Indiana, which entered the season as the losingest program in Division I FBS history. The Hoosiers went 16-0, and Mendoza connecting on 72.0 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards (9.3 YPA), 41 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He scored seven rushing touchdowns and added 276 yards on the ground.

In Bleacher Report's scouting assessment, B/R NFL scout Dame Parson compared Mendoza to former Atlanta Falcons star quarterback (and 2016 NFL MVP) Matt Ryan "with mobility." B/R's NFL Scouting Department ranked Mendoza first among quarterbacks and third overall on its final big board.

The Raiders would certainly be happy with that as they hope Mendoza leads them to an era of prosperity.