INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 27: Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesIn the end, there was no mystery as expected Fernando Mendoza is a Las Vegas Raider.In a move that has been expected for months, the Raiders believe they got their new franchise quarterback by taking the Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana.Mendoza is completely on board with joining the Silver and Black.What a great organizatiob and legacy looking forward to talking to my teammates, coaches and owners. Im ecstatic for this opportunity, Mendoza told NFL Network moments after he was drafted.Mendoza also had a message for Raider Nation:Incoming call from Miami #RaiderNation ESPN pic.twitter.com/mHCdjeNqYS Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) April 24, 2026In a call with Las Vegas media members, Mendoza said he is excited to play for Klint Kubiak and he thinks the quarterback can be a point guard in the offense. He is also excited to have p[art owner Tom Brady as a mentor, calling it an edge for the team.Raiders general manager John Spytek to the teams website that Mendoza checked boxes during the entire draft processs and that he beleives the quarterback is the right guy for the Raiders.Brady tweeted out a welcome to Mendoza.Congratulations to all the rookies who are joining the NFL this weekend. I hope you can appreciate this special moment youve earned it through hard work, discipline, and determination. Youve made your family proud, along with everyone else on your journey that has supported Tom Brady (@TomBrady) April 24, 2026Heres some X reactions to the selection:The Raiders selecting Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 puts him alongside Joe Burrow, Jameis Winston and Cam Newton as the only QBs since 1967 to win the Heisman Trophy, a national title and go No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft. Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 24, 2026As the 1st overall pick, Fernando Mendoza's fully guaranteed 4-year rookie contract should be $57.272M, which includes a $38.112M as a signing bonus. Joel Corry (@corryjoel) April 24, 2026Fernando Mendoza will join these Heisman Trophy winners to play for #Raiders:Charles WoodsonJim PlunkettMarcus AllenBo JacksonTim BrownCarson PalmerMatt LeinartMarcus MariotaDesmond HowardBilly Cannon Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) April 24, 2026Fernando Mendoza to the RaidersDeadly accurate ->79% of throws were on-target#1 in class75% on-target throw rate on 3rd/4th down#1 in classMUCH higher floor for the Raiders in 2026 and beyond pic.twitter.com/dMRuMH454u Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 24, 2026