Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza is in Las Vegas today for his Top 30 draft visit with the Las Vegas Raiders. For anyone who has followed the 2026 NFL Draft cycle, that should come as no surprise.
After transferring from the California Golden Bears, Mendoza led the Indiana Hoosiers to a 16-0 record and the school’s first football national championship. He completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions. These dominant stats have made him the clear choice for the top pick in the 2026 draft.
The Raiders, who hold the No. 1 pick, have tracked him for months. Plus, owner Mark Davis and GM John Spytek watched him in person during the title game.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Then on April 1, a large group of Raiders coaches and executives attended Indiana’s Pro Day, where Mendoza missed only three of his 56 throws. Today, he is in Las Vegas for his only scheduled pre-draft visit.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirmed this week that Mendoza's visit to Sin City is his only scheduled official visit, further signaling the Raiders' intent to select him first overall on April 23.
They have done everything possible to prepare for Mendoza’s arrival. The front office signed veteran Kirk Cousins to a one-year, $20 million deal, though the Atlanta Falcons are paying nearly half of it.
Cousins actually signed a five-year contract that could be worth up to $172 million. But for now, only his first year is guaranteed. This structure allows the Raiders to use Cousins as a "bridge" to mentor the 22-year-old while maintaining the flexibility to move on after one season with minimal financial penalty.
Just to recap, he previously played for Klint Kubiak on the Minnesota Vikings. In those three seasons, Cousins was highly productive, averaging over 4,000 passing yards and 30touchdowns per year.
Kubiak has said he wants the rookie to watch how a "mature adult" runs a team before taking over. Reports indicate Mendoza is already studying the Raiders' playbook.
With the draft knocking at the door and all visits ending by April 15, his presence in Las Vegas today essentially confirms he is the primary pick for the franchise heading into the 2026 season.
