Fernando Mendoza
Quarterback
Fernando Mendoza News
Fernando Mendoza to Serve as Raiders QB2
The Las Vegas Raiders named veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as their Week 1 starter on Wednesday, and while some late training camp rumblings hinted at Fernando Mendoza potentially starting his career as the third quarterback behind Aidan O'Connell, the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft will serve as the team's primary backup, according to The Athletic's Sam Warren. Mendoza appeared in all three of the Raiders' preseason games, turning in a mixed bag on his way to a 56.5% completion percentage and two interceptions to his one touchdown. The Raiders face a daunting schedule to begin the year, a fact that could lead to early calls from fans to put the rookie on the field, but also a landmine that the coaching staff must navigate with the ultimate goal of setting Mendoza up for long-term success. Equipped with the tools and mindset to eventually become the face of the franchise, Mendoza is RotoBaller's QB29 and not a player who needs to be drafted as anything more than a third quarterback in 2026 superflex leagues.
Sep 2, 2026 9:51 AM EST
Fernando Mendoza Could Begin the Season as the QB3
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak is open to naming Aidan O'Connell as the QB2 over rookie first overall pick Fernando Mendoza, according to Michael Smith of NBC Sports. This would make the No. 1 overall pick the QB3 to start the season for the Raiders. During the preseason, Mendoza had 25 completions on 45 passing attempts for 240 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. It has widely been expected that Kirk Cousins would be the starting quarterback for Week 1, with Mendoza being the backup. However, not many would have thought the rookie would start the season as the third-string quarterback. "We've got three guys that are ready to play," Kubiak told team reporters. "It's going to be some hard decisions on who's 1, who's 2. That's not a decision we have to make today, but those are discussions that are ongoing." If this happens, nothing much will change for Mendoza's fantasy outlook for redraft leagues and dynasty leagues. We knew he was a long-term fantasy investment that would not have much fantasy relevance until, at best, the end of the 2026 season.
Aug 29, 2026 1:17 PM EST
Fernando Mendoza Struggles in Final Extended Opportunity
Taking over early in the game and playing mostly with the starting offense, Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza struggled against a unit of 49ers reserves in Thursday night's preseason finale. The first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft completed seven of his 14 pass attempts for 57 yards while throwing an interception and taking two sacks, and with veteran Kirk Cousins now expected to take the starting job into the regular season, Mendoza's tune-up opportunities are about to see a dramatic decline. "He needs another three preseason games, and all those rookies do," head coach Klint Kubiak said after the game. "Now that the season is starting, the practice reps get smaller, and that's just life. But us as coaches, we've got to get them ready to play and keep developing." The Raiders face a difficult schedule to begin the year, so the team may need to be strategic about when they give Mendoza his first career start, and with a steep learning curve still ahead of him, he is not a player who needs to be drafted in single quarterback leagues.
Aug 28, 2026 5:14 AM EST
Fernando Mendoza Throws Pick-Six in First Preseason Start
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza got his first professional start in Thursday night's preseason matchup with the Texans, and on the team's opening drive, he threw an interception to rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz that was returned 80 yards for a touchdown. Playing the entire first half, the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft led four more drives, resulting in a field goal and three punts before Aidan O'Connell took over in the second half and managed a come-from-behind victory. Along with a handful of starters, veteran Kirk Cousins was given the night off following a productive joint practice with the Texans, but after the game, head coach Klint Kubiak declined to name a starter for the regular season. "We got another week. I don't want anyone to be comfortable in their job... It should always be that way for all positions. So, let's keep going." Barring an unforeseen surprise, Mendoza will begin his rookie campaign backing up Cousins. Still, he has reportedly impressed behind the scenes and could find the field earlier than initially projected, making him an intriguing late-round pick in superflex leagues as RotoBaller's QB29.
Aug 21, 2026 6:50 AM EST
Fernando Mendoza Expected to Play First Half Against Texans
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza is expected to play roughly the first half of Thursday night's preseason game against the Houston Texans, according to Adam Schefter. Aidan O'Connell is expected to take over for the second half. Mendoza got an extended look in the opener against Arizona, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown over four drives. The Raiders have kept adding to his workload since then. He saw valuable snaps against Houston's first-team defense during Tuesday's joint practice, while Kirk Cousins continued to handle the bulk of the first-team work. Head coach Klint Kubiak has been clear that Mendoza needs reps, and Thursday should give the No. 1 overall pick plenty more. Cousins still sits ahead of him, but Mendoza is getting a longer runway in these preseason games as Las Vegas continues bringing its rookie quarterback along before Week 1.
Aug 20, 2026 11:49 AM EST
Raiders Want Fernando Mendoza to Improve His Timing and Anticipation
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza put up solid numbers in his preseason debut against the Cardinals, and on Tuesday he was given first-team reps against the Houston Texans defense during joint practice. Still, he acknowledges that he has plenty of room for growth. In a SportsCenter segment following practice, ESPN's Ryan McFadden points to Mendoza's timing and anticipation as areas that the coaching staff is looking for improvement, noting head coach Klint Kubiak's attention to detail on a play-to-play basis. The coaching staff has reportedly been impressed by the work ethic of the first overall pick, and there is confidence that Mendoza will make the necessary strides as he gets more time on task, with extended reps expected for him in Thursday night's preseason matchup with the Texans.
Aug 19, 2026 7:01 AM EST
Fernando Mendoza Gets Extensive Reps With First-Team Offense
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza got extensive reps with the first-team offense on Tuesday during the team's joint practice with the Houston Texans, according to Sam Warren of The Athletic. Veteran Kirk Cousins would go first, but Mendoza subbed in for a few team periods. The first overall pick from Indiana is gaining steam to potentially steal the starting gig from Cousins to begin the 2026 regular season, and he looked like a future star in his NFL debut in last Thursday's preseason loss to the Arizona Cardinals, going 10-for-16 passing for 97 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. He also had six yards rushing. Cousins will most likely open the year as the Raiders' starter under center, but if Mendoza continues to impress, he will get his shot sooner rather than later. Fantasy managers in single-year leagues must still temper expectations, as Mendoza could face a steep learning curve with a weak collection of receivers if he is making starts in 2026.
Aug 18, 2026 8:33 AM EST
Fernando Mendoza Shows Glimpses of Greatness in First NFL Showing
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza showed some promising traits during the loss to the Arizona Cardinals, 27-14. While completing 10 of his 16 pass attempts for 97 yards and a touchdown, Mendoza also flashed his willingness to run with two carries for six yards. His touchdown pass went to sophomore wide receiver Jack Bech, whom he hit on a quick slant that split two defenders with perfect ball placement for the six-yard score. Mendoza showed confidence and decisiveness on most plays, but also left room for improvement in his first preseason game. As RotoBaller's QB29 overall, it's only a matter of time before Mendoza gets a true chance to exceed expectations in Las Vegas.
Aug 14, 2026 4:54 PM EST
Fernando Mendoza Called an "Ascending Player" by Head Coach
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza took over on the second drive of the team's preseason opening loss to the Cardinals, and in almost three full quarters of action, he completed 10-of-16 attempts for 97 yards and a touchdown pass to second-year receiver Jack Bech. After the game, he drew the praise of his head coach. "I see an ascending player," Klint Kubiak told reporters on Thursday night. "We just got to keep getting better." While the first overall pick of the 2026 Draft showed promise in his first NFL action, he was quick to look for areas of improvement, reflecting on his night by saying, "It showed me that I need to grow a lot... I'm definitely [watching the game film] after this. I have nothing else to do tonight." Veteran Kirk Cousins looked sharp in his first start with the team, completing 5-of-6 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown of his own, but recent reports out of Raiders camp have suggested that Mendoza could see regular-season work earlier than initially expected. At RotoBaller's QB29, the rookie is not worthy of selection in single-quarterback leagues, but he's an ideal upside swing as a third quarterback in superflex formats.
Aug 14, 2026 7:13 AM EST
Fernando Mendoza Has "Real Chance" to Win Starting Job
The Las Vegas Raiders are facing a real quarterback battle between veteran Kirk Cousins and first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza, according to Vincent Bonsignore. Bonsignore said he still believes Cousins will be the starter in 2026, "but it's not etched in stone. Fernando has a real chance to win the job." Most have speculated that the team would let Mendoza sit behind veteran Cousins and develop before throwing him into the fire. Reports from Raiders training camp indicate that Cousins has held off Mendoza in the competition and that the rookie has struggled. While Cousins was listed as the QB1 on the team's unofficial depth chart over Mendoza, a strong preseason from the rookie could force the Raiders to start the National Championship-winning quarterback in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins.
Aug 12, 2026 7:24 PM EST
Fernando Mendoza Expected to Get Plenty of Reps in Preseason Opener
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza is "expected to get plenty of experience in Thursday's preseason opener against the Cardinals," according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com. Mendoza, who was selected No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft after winning the NCAA football national championship at Indiana, will have a valuable opportunity get acclimated to the NFL with meaningful preseason reps. At this time, he's not expected to start Week 1 of the regular season, but preseason action will at least give fantasy managers a chance to see Mendoza play alongside Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, Jack Bech, and Jalen Nailor. His redraft stock is a bit iffy given the fact that there's no timetable for the Raiders to turn from Kirk Cousins to Mendoza, but the 22-year-old is much more appealing in dynasty leagues where he ranks as the QB17.
Aug 11, 2026 6:39 PM EST
Fernando Mendoza Makes Leaps and Bounds with First-Team Offense
With Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins held out of Saturday's practice as discipline for his scuffle with Maxx Crosby the previous day, first overall pick Fernando Mendoza saw his most extensive work with the first-team offense, and the rookie impressed with his mobility from under center, according to team reporter Levi Edwards. Mendoza has made an early impression on those in the building, with quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan telling reporters, "He's a very diligent, tireless worker... Everything that has been said, that's been portrayed about him as far as the type of young man he is, is true and then some." Given his first real chance to run the offense, Mendoza had the ups and downs typical of a first-year player, but he displayed NFL arm talent and demonstrated a level of comfort in the pocket that resulted in a handful of positive plays. As RotoBaller's QB29, Mendoza is worth a dart throw as a third quarterback in redraft superflex leagues, and his dynasty appeal is obvious with what looks to be a bright future ahead of him.
Aug 9, 2026 6:00 AM EST
Fernando Mendoza "Living in the Building"
After months of intense scouting, the Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, and the early returns have been exactly what the team both hoped for and expected, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, who reports that the 22-year-old has been "living in the building as a tireless, football-obsessed worker." Mendoza is still working primarily with the second-team offense behind presumed early-season starter Kirk Cousins, but Breer points out both his ability to bounce back from bad plays and his natural feel for picking up the unblocked defender as veteran-like traits that could soon see him folding in more with the ones. How soon Mendoza takes over as a full-time starter will likely come down to his own readiness and how prepared the team is to support him, but early signs indicate that he is more than capable of handling his own end, making him a worthwhile third quarterback target in deep bench superflex leagues.
Aug 3, 2026 6:36 AM EST
Fernando Mendoza Signs Rookie Contract
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza has signed his rookie contract, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Raiders rookies are due to report to the team facility today, with the team's training camp officially beginning on Tuesday. Now that Mendoza's contract is signed, his participation in training camp will not be impacted in any way. The number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions while rushing for 276 yards and seven scores across 16 games in his final collegiate season at the University of Indiana. The 22-year-old is expected to see some first-team reps in training camp, but he will likely enter camp behind veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins on the team's depth chart. Still, Mendoza profiles as the quarterback of the future in Las Vegas, and it may only be a matter of time before he takes over as the team's QB1.
Jul 23, 2026 9:19 AM EST
Fernando Mendoza Figures to See First-Team Reps During Camp
While it remains highly unlikely that Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the first overall pick in April's draft out of Indiana, will open the 2026 campaign as the team's starter under center, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer writes that it sounds like the Raiders will "sprinkle" Mendoza in with the first-team offense in training camp this summer. New head coach Klint Kubiak is thrilled with the long-term prospects of Mendoza leading the Raiders' offense, but he must first learn to take more snaps under center, something he didn't do much in college. The good news for Mendoza's long-term fantasy upside is that his reputation as a worker while being coachable has checked out this offseason, and he has shown the ability to absorb what he's being taught and apply it on the field quickly. He has also already developed a strong relationship with veteran QB Kirk Cousins, who is expected to begin the year as the Raiders' starter. Because the Raiders are slow-playing Mendoza as their QB of the future, he won't be much of a redraft asset in fantasy football in 2026.
Jul 21, 2026 10:46 AM EST
Is Fernando Mendoza Undervalued in Redraft Leagues?
The number one pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza profiles as his new team's long-term answer under center. Mendoza had a dominant junior season at the University of Indiana in 2025, completing 72% of his pass attempts for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions across 16 games. The 22-year-old also showed some ability to produce with his legs, recording 276 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Currently, Mendoza appears to be entering his rookie training camp behind both Kirk Cousins and Aidan O'Connell on the Raiders' quarterback depth chart. However, Cousins is entering his age-38 season, and O'Connell has not shown anything more than quality backup quarterback production to this point in his career. Mendoza could easily emerge as the starter in Las Vegas early on in 2026. With a current average draft position of QB27, Mendoza may be undervalued in redraft formats.
Jul 6, 2026 11:10 AM EST
Fernando Mendoza a Long-term Dynasty Investment Who Could Be Brought Along Slowly
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza spent most of minicamp working with the third-team offense, as he did during organized team activities. While praising him for his work ethic and attitude, head coach Klint Kubiak has made it clear that the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft will not just be handed starting reps. With veterans Kirk Cousins and Aidan O'Connell still ahead of him on the unofficial depth chart, the next month and a half before teams gather again for training camp will be a critical stage in Mendoza's development. An opportunity to lead the second-team offense should come early in camp, but from there, Mendoza will need to continue demonstrating growth to push for a starting job that will need to be earned rather than assumed. While the playmakers in Vegas are not necessarily a deep group outside of tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty, it's clear the team is doing all it can to set Mendoza up for long-term success, and at RotoBaller's dynasty QB17, he is worthy of an early selection in superflex rookie drafts.
Jun 12, 2026 5:36 AM EST
Will Fernando Mendoza's Skill Set Translate to the NFL?
Former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza was the consensus No. 1 overall selection in this year's draft by the Las Vegas Raiders after his near-flawless performance in the College Football Playoff, which was capped by his heroic performance in the national title game to beat Miami. Most analysts believe that Mendoza is one of the more complete QB prospects because of his scarcity of turnovers and his mix of intelligence, size, and movement. However, a coach who had faced Mendoza when he played for Cal doesn't think his skill set will translate well to the next level. "He's a good decision-maker, but I don't think he's got the NFL traits," the coach said. "They're all back-shoulder [throws]. That's not working in the NFL. His receivers made plays to make him look better than he is. In the NFL, those throws are getting picked off." Mendoza had a knack for delivering on the big stage, in addition to his other impressive physical skills. However, he lacks the experience of playing under center, which is what is going to be asked of him in head coach Klint Kubiak's offense. There will be a learning curve there, which is why the Raiders prefer to have the young QB sit and learn behind veteran Kirk Cousins early in his NFL career. Mendoza should be the No. 2 pick in rookie-only dynasty drafts this year.
May 5, 2026 7:18 AM EST
Fernando Mendoza Working on Playing Under Center
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, primarily took snaps under center during the media viewing period of rookie minicamp over the weekend, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. It's what Mendoza is expected to do in new head coach Klint Kubiak's offensive scheme whenever he gets the nod to start under center. Mendoza said he "still has a long way to go" to learn to play under center after he operated mostly in shotgun formation at California and Indiana in college. The young signal-caller took a total of five snaps under center in three collegiate seasons. The Heisman Trophy winner is putting his best foot forward with his offensive linemen and is trying to take in as much information as possible as he heads into his first year in the NFL in 2026. In rookie-only dynasty drafts, Mendoza will most likely be the No. 2 player off the board, behind Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love. In Year 1, Mendoza is expected to sit behind veteran Kirk Cousins to begin the year, and the Raiders wouldn't be opposed to the young QB working as the backup for his entire rookie season. It means fantasy managers should avoid Mendoza in single-year setups.
May 4, 2026 12:20 PM EST
Fernando Mendoza to Sit All Year Behind Veteran QB?
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said on Thursday that Las Vegas Raiders veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected to mentor first overall pick Fernando Mendoza this year, and Cousins is expected to be the team's starter under center to kick off the regular season in early September. Rapoport also says that the Raiders hope Cousins can run the offense all year while Mendoza learns on the sidelines. In a perfect scenario, Mendoza would be ready to roll as the full-time starter in 2027. Given Cousins' declining play and elevated injury risk at 37 years old, it would be a surprise if he were the Raiders' starter in 2026 from wire to wire. The 22-year-old Mendoza should be the No. 2 pick in rookie-only dynasty/keeper leagues this year, behind only Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love. The Indiana product doesn't have a ton of dual-threat upside at the next level, but his accuracy in the pocket should give him a safe long-term fantasy floor while paired with offensive-minded head coach Klint Kubiak. In redraft leagues, Mendoza won't be as attractive in 2026, but he'll still have appeal as a QB2 with upside in superflex setups if Cousins falters or gets hurt.
Apr 24, 2026 8:15 AM EST
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