Raiders Owner Praises National Championship Winner Mendoza

Mark Davis compliments Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza's title victory ahead of potential top draft pick

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis expressed his admiration for Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza's recent national championship win, hinting that the team may select him with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Davis praised Mendoza's performance and noted that the young QB would look good in Raiders colors.

Why it matters

The Raiders hold the first overall pick in the upcoming draft, and Mendoza is widely projected to be the top selection. Davis' public comments suggest the team is strongly considering taking the Indiana star, who led his team to a national title in his final collegiate season.

The details

Mendoza, a former walk-on at the University of California, Berkeley who later transferred to Indiana, had a standout 2025 campaign. He won the Heisman Trophy and guided the Hoosiers to the College Football Playoff National Championship, where they defeated the University of Miami. At Klint Kubiak's introductory press conference as the new Raiders head coach, Davis spoke highly of Mendoza's accomplishments and indicated the team would be happy to add him to their roster.

  • Mendoza led Indiana to the national championship game on January 9, 2026.
  • The Raiders hold the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which will take place on April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Mark Davis

Owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Fernando Mendoza

Quarterback who led Indiana University to the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship.

Klint Kubiak

Newly hired head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

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What they’re saying

“He looked good. Yeah, well, he won the National Championship. So that's a good.”

— Mark Davis, Owner, Las Vegas Raiders (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Raiders will have the opportunity to select Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 24-26.

The takeaway

Mark Davis' public praise of Mendoza's national championship victory suggests the Raiders are strongly considering making the Indiana quarterback the top selection in the upcoming NFL Draft, a move that would pair the talented passer with the team's new offensive-minded head coach Klint Kubiak.