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Raiders Eye Heisman Winner Mendoza as 2026 Draft Top Pick

2/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Las Vegas Raiders project Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza is a Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to a national championship.
ESPN analyst Matt Miller says he will benefit from talent like Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty.
If drafted, Mendoza would be the third player to win a Heisman, a national championship, and be the top pick within a year.

History

Historical Context

Jim Plunkett won the Heisman Trophy in 1970, leading Stanford to a Rose Bowl victory and becoming the first overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft. His success exemplified the link between collegiate achievements and professional prospects, a trend that continues today, as seen with Fernando Mendoza's potential as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, highlighting the pressure on college athletes to excel.

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Story summary

The Las Vegas Raiders project Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza is a Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to a national championship.
ESPN analyst Matt Miller says he will benefit from talent like Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty.
If drafted, Mendoza would be the third player to win a Heisman, a national championship, and be the top pick within a year.

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