Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza is set to make his first career start in Week 10 against the Seattle Seahawks. While all eyes are on the 2026 No. 1 pick overall, NFL analyst Marcus Spears appears to believe head coach Klint Kubiak is facing more pressure ahead of Sunday's contest.
During the latest segment of “NFL on ESPN,” Spears explains that Kubiak's job is to ensure the 23-year-old signal-caller is mentally prepared to face off against a stout Seahawks defense. Spears thinks Mendoza's performance could be a signifier of how Kubiak is as a head coach.
“I know we're focusing on Fernando, but I think this is more about Klint Kubiak,” Spears said. “I think this is about making sure [Mendoza] understands where his outs are… Because look, a young quarterback in this environment, making his first true start in the NFL is damn near impossible… I think it's more important for Klint Kubiak to try to settle him as much as possible.”
“A young quarterback in this environment making his first true start in the NFL is damn near impossible.”
—@mspears96 on Fernando Mendoza's first start against the Seahawks 👀 pic.twitter.com/NjggtcpX48
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 13, 2026
While it is a home game for the Raiders, Mendoza faces an elite defense for his first career start. The Seahawks enter Week 10 as the No. 1-ranked defense in yards allowed per game (244.2) and are tied for No. 4 in scoring defense with the Pittsburgh Steelers (18.0 points per game).
Fernando Mendoza saw some action during the preseason, but will be participating in his first meaningful game on Sunday. He steps in as the Raiders' new starting quarterback after playing three years at the college level (two seasons with the California Golden Bears, one with the Indiana Hoosiers).
His one and only campaign playing for Curt Cignetti at Indiana ended with 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns (led the nation), and six interceptions while completing 72.0% of his pass attempts. His efforts earned him the 2025-26 Heisman Trophy.