Trending Now - Raiders Show Interest in Promising Rookie QB Fernando Mendoza

WHO:

Heavy NFL - The Raiders are considering adding a veteran quarterback, with Kirk Cousins being mentioned as a potential free-agent option.

ESPN - Tom Brady, minority owner of the Raiders, attended the national championship game in January 2026 with majority owner Mark Davis and general manager John Spytek.

ESPN - Mendoza's college roommate participated in warm-ups with him at the Pro Day.

ESPN - Mendoza is a 6-foot-5, 22-year-old quarterback.

Heavy NFL - Aidan O'Connell is currently the only player on the Raiders' roster at the quarterback position.

Pro Football Network - Curt Cignetti, head coach at Indiana University, praised quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Heavy NFL - Las Vegas Raiders, an NFL team, are considering drafting Fernando Mendoza.

WHAT:

ESPN - Mendoza completed approximately 56 passes during his Pro Day, showcasing his ability to throw short, deep, and medium-range passes, as well as throwing on the run.

ESPN - Mendoza stated, "You know quarterbacks have passed, have done shorter pro days than that," referring to the length of his Pro Day throwing session.

ESPN - Mendoza completed approximately 56 passes during his Pro Day, showcasing his ability to throw short, deep, and medium-range passes, as well as throwing on the run.

ESPN - Mendoza stated, "I feel like it went great," regarding his Pro Day performance.

ESPN - Mendoza expressed that he is "far from a finished product" and acknowledged the adjustments needed for the NFL level.

ESPN - Mendoza stated, "I'm putting all of my efforts toward just trying to be the best quarterback possible for the season," indicating his focus on improvement.

ESPN - Mendoza's performance at the Pro Day was attended by all 32 NFL teams, over 100 media members, and numerous family members and friends of ex-Hoosiers.

ESPN - Mendoza led Indiana to its first outright Big Ten title since 1945 and the school's first national football title.

ESPN - Mendoza completed 72% of his throws for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and six interceptions during the 2025 season.

ESPN - Mendoza arrived at his Pro Day weighing 236 pounds, which is 11 pounds heavier than his listed playing weight.

ESPN - Mendoza has met with the Raiders twice, once at the NFL scouting combine and again via video conference, with one additional meeting scheduled before the NFL Draft on April 23rd, 2026.

Pro Football Network - Curt Cignetti described Fernando Mendoza as a "special talent" and a likely No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Heavy NFL - The Raiders are exploring other quarterback prospects in addition to Mendoza.

NY Post - Fernando Mendoza is considered the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

ESPN - Mendoza completed approximately 56 passes during his Pro Day, showcasing his ability to throw short, deep, and medium-range passes, as well as throwing on the run.

Pro Football Network - Mendoza stated, "I'm putting all of my efforts toward just trying to be the best quarterback possible for the season," emphasizing his focus on readiness for the NFL season starting in September 2026.

ESPN - Mendoza completed a twisting highlight-reel scoring run late in the national championship game, contributing to Indiana's victory.

ESPN - Mendoza's Pro Day was described as "unlike any other in school history," showcasing his ability to throw short, deep, and medium-range passes, as well as throwing on the run.

ESPN - Mendoza overthrew a diving Elijah Sarratt on a deep ball by a half-yard during his Pro Day.

ESPN - Mendoza stated, "I just wanted to make sure everybody could showcase their abilities in front of all 32 NFL teams."

Heavy NFL - The Raiders are considering adding a veteran quarterback, with Kirk Cousins being mentioned as a potential free-agent option.

ESPN - Mendoza stated, "You know quarterbacks have passed, have done shorter pro days than that," referring to the length of his Pro Day throwing session.

ESPN - Mendoza mentioned, "I'm putting all of my efforts toward just trying to be the best quarterback possible for the season," indicating his focus on improvement.

ESPN - Mendoza expressed that he is "far from a finished product" and acknowledged the adjustments needed for the NFL level.

ESPN - Fernando Mendoza completed his Pro Day throwing session with approximately 56 passes, showcasing his ability to throw short, deep, and medium-range passes, as well as throwing on the run.

ESPN - Mendoza stated, "I feel like it went great," regarding his Pro Day performance.

ESPN - Mendoza's performance at the Pro Day was attended by all 32 NFL teams, over 100 media members, and numerous family members and friends of ex-Hoosiers.

ESPN - Mendoza led Indiana to its first outright Big Ten title since 1945 and the school's first national football title.

ESPN - Fernando Mendoza completed 72% of his throws for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and six interceptions during the 2025 season.

ESPN - Mendoza threw approximately 56 passes during his Pro Day at Indiana University.

ESPN - Mendoza arrived at his Pro Day weighing 236 pounds, which is 11 pounds heavier than his listed playing weight.

ESPN - Mendoza has met with the Raiders twice, once at the NFL scouting combine and again via video conference, with one additional meeting scheduled before the NFL Draft on April 23rd, 2026.

Pro Football Network - Curt Cignetti described Fernando Mendoza as a "special talent" and a likely No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Heavy NFL - The Raiders are exploring other quarterback prospects in addition to Mendoza.

WHERE:

Pro Football Network - Indiana University, where Fernando Mendoza plays college football.

Heavy NFL - Las Vegas, Nevada, home of the Raiders.

WHEN:

Heavy NFL - The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23rd, 2026.

ESPN - Mendoza's Pro Day took place on March 31st, 2026, and he has one additional meeting scheduled with the Raiders before the NFL Draft on April 23rd, 2026.

ESPN - Mendoza's Pro Day took place on March 31st, 2026.

Heavy NFL - The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23rd, 2026.

ESPN - Mendoza's Pro Day took place on March 31st, 2026, and he has one additional meeting scheduled with the Raiders before the NFL Draft on April 23rd, 2026.

ESPN - Mendoza's Pro Day took place on March 31st, 2026.

Pro Football Network - Mendoza's Pro Day is anticipated to showcase his skills, although the specific date is not mentioned.

Heavy NFL - The Raiders' interest in Mendoza and other quarterbacks is ongoing as the NFL Draft approaches in 2026.

WHY:

Pro Football Network - Fernando Mendoza is prioritizing readiness for the NFL season starting in September 2026 over the hype surrounding his Pro Day performance.

ESPN - Mendoza expressed a desire to improve his readiness for the NFL season starting in September 2026, stating, "I'm putting all of my efforts toward just trying to be the best quarterback possible for the season."

ESPN - Mendoza expressed gratitude for his college teammates, stating, "It was a little bit of a moment of gratitude, looking at those guys and really seeing the special moments I've had with each individual."

ESPN - Mendoza expressed a desire to improve his readiness for the NFL season starting in September 2026.

Pro Football Network - Fernando Mendoza is prioritizing readiness for the NFL season starting in September 2026 over the hype surrounding his Pro Day performance.

Pro Football Network - The Raiders are looking to strengthen their quarterback position, indicating a need for improvement in that area.

HOW:

ESPN - Mendoza's Pro Day was attended by all 32 NFL teams, over 100 media members, and numerous family members and friends of ex-Hoosiers, indicating significant interest in his performance.

ESPN - Mendoza's Pro Day was attended by all 32 NFL teams, over 100 media members, and numerous family members and friends of ex-Hoosiers.

ESPN - Mendoza's Pro Day was described as "unlike any other in school history."

Heavy NFL - The Raiders are conducting evaluations of multiple quarterback prospects, including Mendoza, as part of their draft preparation.

(UPDATED April 2, 2026 23:04 UTC)

The Raiders are considering adding a veteran quarterback, with Kirk Cousins emerging as a potential free-agent option. At his Pro Day, Fernando Mendoza completed approximately 56 passes, demonstrating his skills across various throwing ranges and even while on the run, while he noted that some quarterbacks have had shorter Pro Days. Mendoza is focusing on being ready for the NFL season starting in September 20th26, rather than getting caught up in the excitement of his Pro Day, as the NFL Draft approaches April 23rd.

(UPDATED April 2, 2026 19:16 UTC)

At his Pro Day on Tuesday, Fernando Mendoza completed approximately 56 passes, demonstrating his versatility by throwing short, medium, and deep, as well as on the run, while all 32 NFL teams were in attendance. Mendoza expressed that he felt great about his performance but acknowledged he is "far from a finished product," emphasizing his commitment to becoming the best quarterback possible for the upcoming season. With impressive stats from the 2025 season, including 72 percent completion and 41 touchdowns, Mendoza is considered a likely No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, although the Raiders are also exploring other quarterback prospects.

(UPDATED April 2, 2026 17:14 UTC)

Fernando Mendoza is being hailed as the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft after an impressive Pro Day where he completed around 56 passes, demonstrating his versatility with short, deep, and medium-range throws, as well as his ability to throw on the run. His Pro Day attracted all 32 NFL teams, over 100 media members, and many family and friends, highlighting the significant interest in his performance. Mendoza expressed his commitment to excellence, stating, "I'm putting all of my efforts toward just trying to be the best quarterback possible for the season," as he prepares for the NFL season starting in September 20th26.

(UPDATED April 2, 2026 15:15 UTC)

In a thrilling national championship game, Mendoza completed a stunning scoring run that helped Indiana secure victory, while Tom Brady, the minority owner of the Raiders, was in attendance alongside majority owner Mark Davis and general manager John Spytek. Mendoza's Pro Day, which took place on Tuesday, showcased his impressive skills and drew attention from all 32 NFL teams, along with over 100 media members and many supporters, as he aims to prepare for the upcoming NFL season. He has one more meeting scheduled with the Raiders before the NFL Draft April 23rd, where he hopes to demonstrate his commitment to becoming the best quarterback possible.

(UPDATED April 2, 2026 13:19 UTC)

At his Pro Day on Tuesday, quarterback Mendoza, who stands 6-foot-5 and is 22 years old, showcased his skills in front of all 32 NFL teams, along with over 100 media members and many family and friends. During the event, he overthrew a diving Elijah Sarratt on a deep ball by just half a yard, but Mendoza emphasized his goal was to ensure everyone could display their abilities. He also expressed a strong desire to enhance his readiness for the upcoming NFL season starting in September 20th26.

(UPDATED April 2, 2026 07:18 UTC)

The Raiders are currently evaluating their quarterback situation, as Aidan O'Connell is the only player on their roster in that position, prompting discussions about potentially signing a veteran quarterback, with Kirk Cousins being a notable option. As the NFL Draft approaches April 23rd, the team is focused on strengthening their lineup for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Fernando Mendoza is emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the NFL season starting in September 20th26, rather than getting caught up in the excitement of his Pro Day performance.

(UPDATED April 2, 2026 05:29 UTC)

During his Pro Day on Tuesday, quarterback Mendoza noted that some players have had shorter sessions, emphasizing his commitment to becoming the best quarterback he can be for the upcoming season. He acknowledged that he is "far from a finished product" and is aware of the adjustments needed to succeed at the NFL level, while also expressing gratitude for the special moments shared with his college teammates. Mendoza has one more meeting scheduled with the Raiders before the NFL Draft April 23rd.

(UPDATED April 2, 2026 03:50 UTC)

Fernando Mendoza completed his Pro Day throwing session with approximately 56 passes, impressively showcasing his ability to throw short, deep, and medium-range passes, as well as throwing on the run. He expressed confidence in his performance, stating, "I feel like it went great," during an event attended by all 32 NFL teams, over 100 media members, and many family and friends. Mendoza's Pro Day was noted as "unlike any other in school history," following his remarkable achievement of leading Indiana to its first outright Big Ten title since 1945 and the school's first national football title.

(UPDATED April 2, 2026 01:22 UTC)

Fernando Mendoza had an impressive 2025 season, completing 72% of his throws for 3,535 yards, with 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions. At his Pro Day on Tuesday, he threw approximately 56 passes and arrived weighing 236 pounds, which is 11 pounds heavier than his listed playing weight. Mendoza has already met with the Raiders twice, once at the NFL scouting combine and again via video conference, with one more meeting scheduled before the NFL Draft April 23rd.

(UPDATED April 1, 2026 23:08 UTC)

Curt Cignetti, the head coach at Indiana University, recently praised quarterback Fernando Mendoza, calling him a "special talent" and suggesting he could be a top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders are showing interest in Mendoza as they evaluate multiple quarterback prospects to strengthen their position ahead of the draft. Mendoza's Pro Day is expected to highlight his skills, although the specific date has not been announced yet.