Raiders Hire Kubiak, Poised to Draft Mendoza as New QB

ESPN analysts believe the Indiana QB and new head coach Klint Kubiak are a perfect fit for the Raiders' rebuild.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Las Vegas Raiders are set to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the top overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, is coming off a standout 2025 season where he led the Hoosiers to an undefeated record and a national championship. The Raiders have hired Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as their new head coach, and analysts believe Mendoza is the "ideal partner" to pair with Kubiak as the team looks to turn things around.

Why it matters

The Raiders are in the midst of a major rebuild, having hired a new head coach and holding the top overall pick. Mendoza is widely considered the best quarterback prospect in this year's draft class, and pairing him with an offensive-minded head coach like Kubiak could help accelerate the Raiders' return to contention in the AFC.

The details

Mendoza finished the 2025 season with 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions, completing 72% of his passes. He also added 7 rushing touchdowns. During Indiana's College Football Playoff run, he completed 74.6% of his passes for 555 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. ESPN draft analysts Mel Kiper and Field Yates both believe Mendoza is the clear-cut No. 1 overall pick and the "ideal partner" for new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, who is known for his work developing quarterbacks.

  • Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy in 2025.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for next month.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The Indiana quarterback is widely projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after a standout 2025 season where he won the Heisman Trophy.

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, previously the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, who are known for their quarterback-friendly offense.

Mel Kiper

The longtime ESPN NFL draft analyst who believes Mendoza is the clear-cut No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft.

Field Yates

An ESPN NFL draft analyst who believes Mendoza is the "ideal partner" to pair with new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak.

Tom Brady

The minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders who was in Miami to see Mendoza win the National Championship.

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What they’re saying

“'Fernando Mendoza,' Kiper said. 'Lock it in.'”

— Mel Kiper, ESPN draft analyst (on3.com)

“'As the Raiders embark upon a new era with Klint Kubiak at head coach, Mendoza is the ideal partner to pair with him,'”

— Field Yates, ESPN draft analyst (on3.com)

“'The consistency of Mendoza all year was remarkable. To have the head coach Klint Kubiak coming in, what a great situation to be in. Get that offensive line bolstered, got some really good receiving entities. You got Jeanty at running back, Brock Bowers is a superstar. Fortify that group up front for Fernando Mendoza and all of a sudden now you close the gap in a division with all those great quarterbacks and in an AFC with all those great QBs ... No other consensus 1st-round QB except for the No. 1 pick overall and arguably the best player in this draft, which is Fernando Mendoza.'”

— Mel Kiper, ESPN draft analyst (on3.com)

What’s next

The Raiders will look to bolster their offensive line and skill position players around Mendoza in the upcoming draft to help him succeed in his rookie season.

The takeaway

The Raiders' hiring of Klint Kubiak as head coach and the expected selection of Fernando Mendoza with the top overall pick represents a fresh start for the franchise as they look to build around a promising young quarterback and an offensive-minded head coach.