Future Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza gets record-setting contract projection before NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Former Indiana star quarterback and national champion Fernando Mendoza will officially join the Las Vegas Raiders tonight via the NFL Draft.

Mendoza has been the clear-cut No. 1 overall pick for months, explaining why no one will be shocked when the Raiders select him to begin Thursday night’s festivities. According to Spotrac, the Heisman trophy winner is projected to secure a record-setting four-year, $54.6 million rookie contract with the Raiders.

With the Raiders appearing to be fully invested in Mendoza and believing he can help transform Las Vegas into an offensive juggernaut, Spotrac’s contract product isn’t too far-fetched. What better way to express your confidence in a young signal caller than to offer him a lucrative four-year deal off the bat?

Obviously, Mendoza must live up to expectations, which shouldn’t be a problem considering he’s the most polished, battle-tested, and accurate quarterback in this year’s draft.

The Miami, Florida native finished his senior season with 273 completions on 379 attempts (72.0% completion percentage), 3535 receiving yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions on an undefeated Hoosiers squad.

Mendoza was average with California before transferring to Indiana for his senior season, making his breakout 2025-26 campaign a bit surprising. At the end of the day, the 6-foot-5 quarterback looks the part heading into the draft and could make history if Spotrac’s contract projection proves to be accurate.

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