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By Matt Audilet
Contributing Sports Writer
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As head coach and quarterback of the Indiana Hoosiers in 2025, Curt Cignetti and Fernando Mendoza led the program to a flawless 16-0 record and a College Football Playoff national championship title.
Now, Mendoza turns his attention toward the beginning of his NFL career with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, he's competing with veteran signal caller Kirk Cousins to land the Raiders' starting QB job.
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During a recent appearance on the "This Is Football" podcast, Cignetti predicted that Mendoza will soon be a "really good pro" at the NFL level.
"I think he's got the tools. He's extremely smart, dedicated, committed. Does everything he can to be the best he can be. He's a great teammate and a great leader. He's a great competitor on the field," Cignetti said. "He's got a quick arm. He's got good arm strength and he's got good mobility.
"He's going to be a really good pro. ... He's going to be a good pro. If not this year, then sometime soon."
With Cignetti as his coach in 2025, Mendoza completed 72% of his pass attempts for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions.
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The Raiders will open up their 2026 NFL schedule with a Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13.
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