See Fernando Mendoza’s instant reaction to going No. 1 in 2026 NFL Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders officially selected Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Although the former Indiana Hoosier quarterback is not attending the draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, his reaction was caught on camera, celebrating with his family.

As soon as the pick was announced, Mendoza turned to his right and hugged his mother. Happy tears poured down his face as the 22-year-old quarterback approached several different family members, seemingly happy to be a Raider.

The moment Fernando Mendoza was selected as the 1st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Raiders pic.twitter.com/lLqsUtaLi6 https://t.co/3mu5AWI76p

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 24, 2026

Fernando Mendoza played three years of college football, two with the California Golden Bears, and one very memorable season with the Indiana Hoosiers. He proved to be one of the most consistent quarterbacks last season, ending the 2025-26 campaign with 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns (led the nation), and a 72.0% completion percentage.

His production last season was good enough to earn him the Heisman Trophy. Additionally, he has a championship pedigree after leading the Indiana football program to its first-ever national championship in school history. Las Vegas finds its quarterback, possibly for the now, and definitely for the future.

He joins a Raiders roster consisting of high-value weapons, consisting of tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty. With new head coach Klint Kubiak, who is a former offensive coordinator, it appears Las Vegas could have an exciting offense moving forward.

The last time the Raiders selected a quarterback No.1 overall was in the 2007 NFL Draft when the franchise selected JaMarcus Russell. Things didn’t quite work out, as Russell is viewed as one of the biggest draft busts in league history. But Fernando Mendoza brings his own style to the table, and hopefully, things play out well for him and Las Vegas.

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