NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
The Las Vegas Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in Thursday night’s NFL Draft.
Mendoza led the Indiana Hoosiers to a national championship and won the Heisman Trophy for the year he worked with the team.
ZERO BS. ONLY DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza warms up before the CFP National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on January 19, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Image Images)
The 22-year-old was the projected No. 1 pick in many mock drafts as soon as Indiana finished off the Miami Hurricanes in the national championship. He impressed scouts with his workouts and was by far the best quarterback.
Former NFL star Shawne Merriman told Pak Gazette Digital what made Mendoza the better player beyond what preliminary reports say.
“He’s the most complete player,” the former San Diego Chargers linebacker said. “I think they’re the most NFL-ready type of guys that you can throw on the field and have them come out and play right away. Nothing (against) the other guys. The Alabama quarterback (Ty Simpson), there are some really good quarterbacks in this draft. But that No. 1 pick is special.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza throws out the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, on April 21, 2026. (Rhona Wise/Image Images)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
“That No. 1 pick is special because it solidifies you as the best player in this draft and who a franchise is going to trust, who they’re going to build around for the next 5 to 10 years. That No. 1 pick says a lot about who you are and what you can do for a franchise.”
Mendoza will be tasked with returning the Raiders to glory. The team also hired Kirk Cousins to help guide the Florida native as he begins his NFL journey.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza celebrates after defeating the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on January 19, 2026. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
Mendoza only played one year at Indiana.
He had 41 touchdown passes and 3,535 passing yards. Indiana finished the year 16-0.
