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Raiders Take Heisman QB Mendoza No. 1, Watches from Miami

4/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Las Vegas Raiders will select Heisman-winner quarterback Fernando Mendoza No. 1 in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, 2026.
Mendoza, 22, completed 72% of passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, six interceptions and seven rushing scores as Indiana went 16-0 to win the 2025 title.
Mendoza will watch the draft from Miami to stay with his mother Elsa, who has sclerosis, while Raiders, who signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to start, mentor him.

History

Historical Context

The Heisman Trophy, first awarded in 1935 by the Downtown Athletic Club, recognizes the top college football player, initially limited to those east of the Mississippi. Jay Berwanger of the University of Chicago was the inaugural winner. Over the decades, the award has evolved, with recent winners like Fernando Mendoza reflecting NFL teams' ongoing investment in elite college talent for future success.

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Story summary

Las Vegas Raiders will select Heisman-winner quarterback Fernando Mendoza No. 1 in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, 2026.
Mendoza, 22, completed 72% of passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, six interceptions and seven rushing scores as Indiana went 16-0 to win the 2025 title.
Mendoza will watch the draft from Miami to stay with his mother Elsa, who has sclerosis, while Raiders, who signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to start, mentor him.

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