Raiders’ Ashton Jeanty shares honest opinion on Fernando Mendoza

Ashton Jeanty had some bright remarks to share about his new teammate Fernando Mendoza as they help the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for the 2026 NFL season.

Jeanty is coming off a strange rookie campaign with the Raiders in 2025. He showed flashes of brilliance but saw his usage vary from game to game as Las Vegas struggled throughout the season under head coach Pete Carroll.

As for Mendoza, he looks to bring Las Vegas back to playoff contention after the franchise selected him first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. His remarkable efforts in college, especially with the Indiana Hoosiers, won him the Heisman Trophy and the national championship before entering the pros.

Jeanty spoke to media on Thursday as he discussed multiple topics. One of them involved Mendoza, which the young running back was more than willing to describe what it’s like learning through the offseason alongside the first-year quarterback.

“A rookie, but he did some special things in college,” Jeanty said, “and he’s going to continue to learn and help lead as well.”

What lies ahead for Ashton Jeanty, Raiders

Ashton Jeanty and Fernando Mendoza will look forward to developing chemistry on the field together. The Raiders will count on their success with those two offensive stars.

Jeanty started for the entire 2025 campaign as he racked up 266 rushes for 975 yards and five touchdowns. He was also active in the receiving game, catching 55 passes for 346 yards and five touchdowns.

Mendoza hopes to translate his collegiate success at Indiana over to the NFL with Las Vegas. He went 16-0 with the Hoosiers en route to the national championship in 2025, completing 273 passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also obtained 90 rushes for 276 yards and seven touchdowns, adding a potential layer to the offense for Las Vegas.

The Raiders attempt to improve from their 3–14 record in 2025, make the playoffs after a four-year absence, end their 23-year AFC West title drought, and put an end to two consecutive seasons with fewer than five wins.

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