Vegas can change any man – just like Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza in hilarious new State Farm ad

After comparing the Las Vegas Strip to a “haunted house,” Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been “changed” by his new home in a State Farm commercial.

In his State Farm debut, the 2026 first-overall NFL Draft pick is walking the Strip with Jake (Kevin Miles), who promised the insurance company can “personalize a plan just for you.”

That's when Mendoza quips that he may not be the “same” man anymore, conceding that Sin City can “change a man.” The ad then pokes fun at his famous persona, which some have labeled “corny,” as he hits the casino and yells “Go fish!” at a table, confusing the other players.

He also eats a cookie after brushing his teeth, slyly saying, “That's Vegas, baby.” Mendoza then says he didn’t call his mom that day, showing instant remorse.

“You know what? I'm gonna call her,” last year's Heisman Trophy winner regretfully says as he picks up his phone to make the call.

Is State Farm ad star Fernando Mendoza starting for the Raiders?

Mendoza is not the Raiders' starting quarterback heading into Week 2 of the season, as he is veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins’ backup.

Cousins played relatively well against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1. He completed 70% of his passes for 160 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw two interceptions.

The Raiders selected Mendoza with the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He is coming off a Heisman Trophy-winning season in 2025. He completed 72% of his passes in 2025 for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns. Mendoza also rushed for 276 yards and seven touchdowns during the season.

He did the impossible, leading the Hoosiers to a National Championship win during an undefeated 2025 season. Now, the Raiders hope he can bring a Super Bowl championship to the franchise.

The Raiders are riding high at 1-0. However, we'll see if Mendoza is inserted into the starting lineup if the team begins to falter under Cousins.