Raiders Weigh Drafting Heisman Winner Mendoza

Minority owner Tom Brady's input adds pressure to Las Vegas' QB decision

Feb. 26, 2026 at 10:53pm

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The Las Vegas Raiders, holding the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, face a pivotal decision on whether to select Fernando Mendoza, the National Champion and Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana. While the Raiders are officially keeping their options open, all signs point to Mendoza being the likely pick, with head coach Klint Kubiak emphasizing the importance of adding a proven winner to the team's struggling roster.

Why it matters

The Raiders' 3-14 record in 2025 was the worst in the league, and their last playoff appearance dates back to 2021. This underscores the urgent need for not just talent, but for players who embody a winning mentality and can drive cultural change. Mendoza could be the catalyst for that transformation, but the pressure is on with minority owner Tom Brady's influence on the quarterback decision.

The details

Mendoza will forgo throwing at the NFL Scouting Combine, opting instead to showcase his skills at his Pro Day in April. However, the Combine isn't solely about physical assessments, as it's a crucial opportunity for teams to evaluate character, leadership, and maturity – factors that can significantly influence a player's draft position. Head coach Kubiak has hinted that Mendoza's winning pedigree, including a national championship, is a key factor in the team's evaluation.

  • The Raiders finished with a 3-14 record in 2025, the worst in the NFL.
  • Mendoza will showcase his throwing ability at his Pro Day in April.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

Formerly of the Indiana Hoosiers, Mendoza enters the draft season as a National Champion and Heisman Trophy winner – the nation's best college player.

Klint Kubiak

The Raiders' head coach, who has emphasized the importance of adding a proven winner to the team's struggling roster.

Tom Brady

The Raiders' minority owner, whose presence adds extra pressure on the team's quarterback situation and evaluation of Mendoza.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to learn more about him, and that goes for our entire coaching staff. I aim for all of our coaches involved on this position. It's important to me that everyone gives their assessment.”

— Klint Kubiak, Head Coach (newsy-today.com)

“But obviously, he's been successful. He had an enormous amount of success last season. He won a national championship. And that's what you want. You want a winner.”

— Klint Kubiak, Head Coach (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The Raiders' General Manager has acknowledged the increased scrutiny on the team's quarterback situation due to Tom Brady's presence as a minority owner. The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This decision by the Raiders highlights the importance of finding a quarterback who not only has the physical talent, but also embodies a winning mentality and can drive cultural change within the organization. Mendoza's success at the collegiate level suggests he could be the catalyst the Raiders need to turn their fortunes around, but the pressure of Tom Brady's influence adds an extra layer of complexity to the evaluation process.