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By Matt Audilet
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Las Vegas Raiders have the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft — and the team is on the hunt for a new franchise quarterback.
The Raiders are widely expected to select Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who just led the Indiana Hoosiers to an unbeaten 16-0 season and a College Football Playoff national championship victory. But, newly-hired Las Vegas head coach Klint Kubiak isn't committing to that decision just yet.
Kubiak, who just helped the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory as offensive coordinator, was asked about drafting Mendoza during an interview on Wednesday.
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"I saw him play in the national championship game. I saw the interviews he's given after those games and how team oriented he is," Kubiak said. "But I look forward to getting to know the player better. But he's obviously a really talented guy with a bright future. We'll see where he ends up, but we've got a lot of work to do to get to know him before that time comes."
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Mendoza is the clear No. 1 quarterback prospect in this year's NFL draft class, leading a group featuring Ty Simpson, Trinidad Chambliss, Garrett Nussmeier, Carson Beck and Drew Allar.
Through 16 games in his Heisman season, the Hoosiers QB completed 72% of his pass attempts for 3,535 yards and a Big Ten-leading 41 touchdowns.The 6-foot-5, 225 lbs signal caller also has an NFL-ready body and strong ability as a rusher, which was displayed by his iconic 4th-down touchdown run during Indiana's national championship win over Miami.
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ESPN draft analyst Field Yates identified Mendoza as an "ideal partner" to pair with Kubiak in his first season as the Raiders' head coach.
"As the Raiders embark upon a new era with Klint Kubiak at head coach, Mendoza is the ideal partner to pair with him. He had a remarkable season in 2025, displaying elite accuracy and overall arm talent to throw to all levels of the field." Yates wrote.
"He improved his pocket awareness and was fantastic in clutch moments, leading the Hoosiers to their first undefeated record and a national championship. Mendoza brings a strong frame and in-pocket mobility with enough creativity to handle duress out of structure. And his quick-processing skills point to a successful starting NFL QB,"
The 2026 NFL draft will begin on Apr. 23.
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