Red Flags Raised Over Potential Raiders Move for QB Mendoza

Fox Sports analyst expresses concerns about Mendoza joining the Raiders organization.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, with the Las Vegas Raiders holding that selection. However, Fox Sports analyst Colin Cowherd has raised concerns about Mendoza joining the Raiders, citing the team's organizational issues and impatient ownership as potential obstacles to the quarterback's success. Draft guru Rob Rang has also suggested the Raiders should not rush Mendoza into the starting role, and instead allow veteran Geno Smith to serve as a mentor while Mendoza adjusts to the NFL.

Why it matters

Mendoza is considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 draft class, and his landing spot will have major implications for his professional development and the future of the Raiders' franchise. The concerns raised by analysts about the Raiders' organizational culture and their potential handling of Mendoza's transition to the NFL could impact his long-term trajectory.

The details

Mendoza, who led Indiana to an unbeaten Big Ten and national championship season, is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, Fox Sports analyst Colin Cowherd expressed concerns about Mendoza joining the Raiders, citing the team's organizational issues, impatient ownership, and the fact that Mendoza is not considered an "insane athlete" like some recent top QB prospects. Draft guru Rob Rang suggested the Raiders should not rush Mendoza into the starting role, and instead allow veteran Geno Smith to serve as a mentor while Mendoza adjusts to the NFL.

  • Mendoza revealed he would attend the NFL Draft Combine in Indianapolis, but would not participate in the drills.
  • Mendoza earned a PFSN College QB Impact score of 93.3 after a historic season with Indiana in 2025.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

A former quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers, who is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Colin Cowherd

A Fox Sports analyst who expressed concerns about Mendoza joining the Raiders organization.

Rob Rang

A Fox Sports draft guru who suggested the Raiders should not rush Mendoza into the starting role and instead allow veteran Geno Smith to serve as a mentor.

Geno Smith

A veteran quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders who could serve as a mentor for Mendoza.

Klint Kubiak

The head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

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What they’re saying

“I don't worry about Fernando Mendoza; I worry about the Raiders as his parent in this league. Bottom line, even if Klint Kubiak is a good coach, he'll probably be the fourth-best coach in his division, and ownership is impulsive and ridiculously impatient. I don't have a Mendoza issue; I have a Mendoza to the Raiders issue.”

— Colin Cowherd, Fox Sports Analyst (The Herd)

“Unlike recent No. 1 overall selections, Mendoza does not necessarily have to start immediately. The Raiders, of course, still have veteran Geno Smith, who, like Mendoza, is a clean schematic fit in Kubiak's offense.”

— Rob Rang, Fox Sports Draft Guru (Fox Sports)

What’s next

The Raiders will need to carefully consider how to handle Mendoza's transition to the NFL, balancing his potential with the need to set him up for long-term success.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the importance of organizational stability and player development, especially for high-profile quarterback prospects like Mendoza. The Raiders' reputation for impatience and organizational issues could be a significant obstacle to Mendoza reaching his full potential in the NFL.