Fernando Mendoza – ever the humble gentleman – demurred when asked about draft.
He could be the first pick, the 199th pick – he knew what he was doing by highlighting the draft spot his new boss, Tom Brady, immortalized – or the last pick, "Mr. Irrelevant," he said.
All that mattered to him was another opportunity to continue improving.
He will get that opportunity with the Las Vegas Raiders, who picked Mendoza first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, formalizing what had been an inevitability for months.
Mendoza, who celebrated his selection at home in south Florida with family, plays the most important position in sports and is the most pro-ready quarterback prospect in the class.
Mendoza became the fourth quarterback since 2010 to win the national title, Heisman and be taken first overall, joining Cam Newton, Jameis Winston and Joe Burrow.
“Now I step into a great game, in the NFL, and I look forward to proving it every single day,” Mendoza told ESPN.
Sporting a black and silver Raiders cap and flanked by friends and family, Mendoza beamed after the selection.
"What a great organization. Great legacy, with so many teammates I'm looking forward to talking to ..." Mendoza said, adding: "I'm ecstatic for the opportunity."
The Raiders have been searching for a long-term answer at the position since the days of Rich Gannon or, more realistically, Ken Stabler and Jim Plunkett in the 1980s. Fans of the "Silver and Black" are hopeful Mendoza projects closer to those three signal-callers than the disaster that was JaMarcus Russell, the quarterback selected first overall in 2007 who often commands a podium position on the list of "biggest NFL draft busts."
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after the Indiana vs. Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza poses with the Heisman Trophy on Saturday at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) passes against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first quarter during the 2025 Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025.Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) holds the MVP trophy on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, after winning the Big Ten football championship against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Dec 6, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with the MVP trophy after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn ImagesINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) gets loose before the Indiana versus Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates following the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10.Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with the MVP trophy following the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10.Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) passes to Riley Nowakowski (37) during the Indiana versus Michigan State football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after throwing a touchdown Nov. 1, 2025 during the second quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn ImagesNov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn ImagesSTATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 8: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts after the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on November 8, 2025 in State College, Pennsylvania. The Indiana Hoosiers defeat Penn State Nittany Lions, 27-24. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts to a play in the fourth quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium on November 01, 2025 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn ImagesNov 1, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) speaks with a referee before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn ImagesIndiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) runs during the Indiana versus Michigan State football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) before the Indiana versus Illinois football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (5) after defeating the Oregon Ducks by the score of 30-20 at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesOct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) prepares to throw the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the fourth quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images1 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersIndiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after the Indiana vs. Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.1 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersIndiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after the Indiana vs. Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.2 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersIndiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza poses with the Heisman Trophy on Saturday at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.3 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersIndiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) passes against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first quarter during the 2025 Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025.4 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersIndiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) holds the MVP trophy on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, after winning the Big Ten football championship against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.5 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)6 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersDec 6, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with the MVP trophy after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images7 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)8 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)9 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersIndiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) gets loose before the Indiana versus Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.10 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersIndiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates following the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10.11 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersIndiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with the MVP trophy following the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10.12 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersIndiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) passes to Riley Nowakowski (37) during the Indiana versus Michigan State football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.13 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersIndiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after throwing a touchdown Nov. 1, 2025 during the second quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images14 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersNov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images15 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersSTATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 8: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts after the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on November 8, 2025 in State College, Pennsylvania. The Indiana Hoosiers defeat Penn State Nittany Lions, 27-24. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)16 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersCOLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts to a play in the fourth quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium on November 01, 2025 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)17 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersNov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images18 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersNov 1, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) speaks with a referee before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images19 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersIndiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) runs during the Indiana versus Michigan State football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.20 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersIndiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) before the Indiana versus Illinois football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, 202521 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersOct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (5) after defeating the Oregon Ducks by the score of 30-20 at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images22 / 22See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana HoosiersOct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) prepares to throw the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the fourth quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesFernando Mendoza's 2025 championship season at Indiana was historicMendoza, lightly recruited out of high school whose lone major college offer came from California-Berkeley, has seen his star rise exponentially in less than 18 months. He transferred from Cal to Indiana and led the Hoosiers to an undefeated season that culminated with a national championship. Individually, Mendoza took home the Davey O'Brien award as the nation's top quarterback and won the 2025 Heisman Trophy.
Mendoza led the Hoosiers to a Big Ten championship over then-No. 1 Ohio State, and Indiana steamrolled its way to the title matchup against Miami (Fla.). With the game on the line in the fourth quarter, and on fourth down, Mendoza scrambled for a 12-yard touchdown, punctuated by a dramatic dive for the goal line.
Mendoza's fame reached another level thanks to his genuine postgame interviews that oozed excitement.
At Cal, Mendoza cut down on his turnovers from his freshman season in 2023, when he threw 10 interceptions, to his sophomore campaign (6).
More: The making of Fernando Mendoza, from 2,149 to No. 1 QB in the nation
Analysts have commended Mendoza's toughness and accuracy. In 16 games last season, he threw 41 touchdowns – to 6 interceptions – and completed 72% of his passes.
In Las Vegas, Mendoza will join forces with first-year head coach Klint Kubiak, who is coming off a Super Bowl win as the offensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks. The pressure for Mendoza to start immediately should be minimal, with the Raiders signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins during free agency.
Cousins is familiar with Kubiak's scheme from their overlapping days with the Minnesota Vikings. Brady and the Raiders' front office have expressed their feelings regarding the importance of a rookie quarterback having the chance to sit and learn during his first season in the NFL.
More: With Kirk Cousins signing, Raiders stare into their organizational abyss
In March, Mendoza said he had been studying film of Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers. All of those signal-caller's schemes are functions of Kubiak's coaching tree, which includes Sean McVay (Rams) and Kyle Shanahan (49ers).