Las Vegas Raiders Set To Pick Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza First In 2026 NFL Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is set to begin on April 23 in Pittsburgh.

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is widely expected to go No. 1 to the Las Vegas Raiders.

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Mendoza is the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and the centerpiece of Indiana's 16-0 national championship team.

Fox News ranked Mendoza as the top quarterback in the draft.

UCVRadio.pe described him as offering an exceptional blend of anticipation, accuracy and poise.

The draft class beyond Mendoza is viewed as deep but lacking sure-fire superstars.

LancasterOnline noted the class seems short on sure-fire superstars.

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ESPN highlighted the dominance of Power Five programs.

Ohio State is projected to have as many as 12 players drafted.

The draft will be televised across NFL Network, ESPN, ABC and ESPN Deportes.

Beyond Mendoza, the top quarterbacks include Ty Simpson, Carson Beck, and Garrett Nussmeier.

Simpson was ranked as the No. 2 quarterback.

Beck is battle-tested and offers prototypical size.

Nussmeier has the grit and arm talent required for NFL success despite injury concerns.

Mendoza works out six days per week for 11-plus hours.

He relies on faith and has a hunter mindset.

ESPN

ESPN writer Seth Wickersham described him as a ruthless competitor.

Mendoza emphasized the importance of relationships.