Fernando Mendoza named Raiders' starting quarterback

Mendoza was drafted by the Raiders with the No. 1 pick in 2026 NFL Draft after winning a Heisman Trophy and national championship with the Indiana Hoosiers during the 2025 season. He completed 72 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards and a nation-leading 41 touchdown passes his junior season at Indiana.

In his one game of regular season action against the New England Patriots, he completed 75 percent of his passes for 48 yards.

"He's prepared," said Klint Kubiak, "he practices extremely well and his work habits also allowed us to make this trade because we feel that he's ready to go. And we're excited for him to take the ball for the game here this Sunday."