IU's Fernando Mendoza Faces Transition from First to Worst with Raiders

Heisman Trophy-winning QB goes from undefeated national champions to struggling NFL franchise

Feb. 27, 2026 at 9:53pm

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Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback who led Indiana University's undefeated national championship team, is expected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. The transition from the Hoosiers' high-powered offense to the Raiders' league-worst scoring attack raises questions about Mendoza's ability to succeed at the next level.

Why it matters

Mendoza's move from a dominant college program to a struggling NFL team highlights the challenges young quarterbacks can face when transitioning to the professional ranks. The Raiders have had only one winning season in the last nine years, and Mendoza will be tasked with turning around the franchise's fortunes.

The details

Mendoza had a magical season with Indiana, leading the Hoosiers to a 16-0 record and a national championship while winning the Heisman Trophy. He threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns with just 6 interceptions. In the playoffs, he had more touchdown passes (8) than incompletions (5). Now, he is expected to be the first overall pick by the Raiders, who had the NFL's worst scoring offense last season, averaging just 14.2 points per game.

  • Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy in 2025.
  • Indiana University won the national championship in 2025.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft will be held on April 23.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Indiana University who is expected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Las Vegas Raiders

An NFL franchise that has had only one winning season in the last nine years and is in need of a franchise quarterback.

Tom Brady

A minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders who spoke with Mendoza at the NFL Scouting Combine, offering the opportunity to be mentored by the legendary quarterback.

John Spytek

The general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders, who is keeping his options open for the first overall pick and considering all possibilities, including trading back.

Chris Ballard

The general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, who admitted that they rushed quarterback Anthony Richardson into the starting role too quickly, leading to his trade request after three seasons.

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What they’re saying

“Who hasn't admired Tom Brady? More Super Bowl rings than anybody. That opportunity would be fantastic. Tom Brady, I believe, is the greatest quarterback of all time by a wide margin and to be able to be mentored by him would mean so much.”

— Fernando Mendoza (Fox59)

“I've learned a long time ago, always listen. I'm always listening.”

— John Spytek, General Manager, Las Vegas Raiders (Fox59)

“Everybody succeeds at their own rate. I think all of them have to stand on the edge of the cliff, 'cause they're gonna struggle. They're gonna get criticized like they've never been criticized before. They've got to stand at the edge of the abyss and not jump.”

— Chris Ballard, General Manager, Indianapolis Colts (Fox59)

What’s next

The Raiders will make their decision on the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23.

The takeaway

Mendoza's transition from leading a dominant college program to joining a struggling NFL franchise highlights the challenges young quarterbacks can face when entering the professional ranks. The Raiders will need to carefully manage Mendoza's development and provide him with the necessary support to succeed, learning from the mistakes made by other teams with high draft pick quarterbacks.