The Las Vegas Raiders have remained committed throughout training camp to bringing along rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the right pace. While veteran Kirk Cousins entered camp as the team's starting quarterback, the organization has consistently emphasized that the No. 1 overall pick will have every opportunity to continue developing throughout his rookie season.
Now, with the Raiders preparing for their preseason opener, head coach Klint Kubiak has revealed exactly how fans can expect to see Mendoza used. It's welcome news for a fan base eager to watch the former Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Playoff national champion begin his NFL career after being selected with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Fernando Mendoza Set for Plenty of Preseason Action
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Kubiak confirmed that Mendoza will receive significant playing time throughout the preseason.
"Klint Kubiak mentioned that quarterback Fernando Mendoza will receive plenty of game reps this Thursday and throughout the preseason," Raiders reporter Levi Edwards shared.
The announcement comes as little surprise considering the Raiders' long-term plan for their rookie quarterback.
While Kirk Cousins continues to lead the first-team offense entering the regular season, Kubiak has repeatedly stressed the importance of giving Mendoza meaningful opportunities to develop. Earlier in training camp, the first-year head coach said Cousins was "the guy" entering camp, but added that he wanted Mendoza and Aidan O'Connell to push him every day.
Now, those evaluations will shift from the practice field to live game action.
Raiders Looking Toward the Future
Mendoza enters the NFL with one of the most decorated résumés of any rookie quarterback in recent memory.
After transferring from California to Indiana, he authored a spectacular 2025 season that included a Heisman Trophy, the Davey O'Brien Award, CFP National Championship Game Offensive MVP honors and the program's first national championship before becoming the No. 1 overall pick in April's NFL Draft.
Although Cousins remains positioned to open the regular season as the starter, the preseason provides Mendoza with an invaluable opportunity to gain experience against NFL competition.
The Raiders also have several young skill-position players competing for roster spots, making extended snaps with Mendoza beneficial for the entire offense as coaches evaluate the depth chart.
Thursday's preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals will likely provide fans with their longest look yet at the rookie quarterback, and Kubiak indicated that opportunity won't be limited to just one game. Mendoza is expected to continue receiving extensive action throughout the exhibition schedule as the Raiders prepare both for the 2026 season and their long-term future at quarterback.
