The Las Vegas Raiders entered the 2026 offseason with $112 million in cap space and still have a glaring void at quarterback. Free Agency opened last week, and it became incredibly clear that new head coach Klint Kubiak and General Manager John Spytek are building the new-look Raiders around one specific arrival: Fernado Mendoza.
Mendoza led the Indiana Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 record, Big Ten Championship and National Championship, all whilst winning the first-ever Heisman Trophy in Indiana football’s history. The presumed No. 1 overall pick will be walking into a completely new team, and with the Raiders on the clock for the NFL Draft, it is almost a foregone conclusion that Mendoza will be a Raider.
Klint Kubiak arrives in Las Vegas fresh off a Super Bowl LX championship as the Seattle Seahawks' offensive coordinator. Kubiak likes to run the ball outside of the numbers; he inherits Ashton Jeanty, the elusive running back who was the sixth pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. Kubiak also uses set offenses with bigger blockers, such as tight ends or fullbacks. The Raiders signed free agents wide receiver Jalen Nailor and fullback Connor Heyward. Nailor gives Mendoza a vertical threat downfield, where Heyward can be used as a lead blocker in Kubiak’s offense.
Another part of Klint Kubiak’s offense is the play-action pass. Kubiak found a lot of success with Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who was consistent and smart in the pocket. Mendoza is perfect to run this offense. He is an accurate passer, at Indiana he was surgical, leading the FBS with a 72% completion rate and 41 touchdowns.
Last season, the Raiders allowed a league-high 64 sacks. For a rookie quarterback like Fernando Mendoza, who is going to have to adjust to a faster, more physical game, he can’t take a lot of hits in his rookie year.
The silver and black made the biggest move of the NFL offseason so far, signing Tyler Linderbaum ($81M, 3 years). As a three-time Pro Bowler, Linderbaum solidifies the interior, allowing Jackson Powers-Johnson to slide to guard, strengthening the offensive line. Furthermore, the Raiders are getting Kolton Miller back from injury, which will significantly improve the edge of the offensive line.
Mendoza will get the luxury of throwing to Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, arguably the best tight end duo in the NFL. His wide receiver room could use a bit of work, as it currently consists of Tre Tucker, Jack Bech and Jalen Nailor. Don’t be surprised if the Raiders take a receiver in the picks following Mendoza.
Mendoza has already fully begun his transition from college to the NFL. After opting out of the drills at the NFL combine, the quarterback will throw for the first time in front of the public since the National Championship in Indiana’s Pro Day on April 1. Mendoza has made an effort to throw to his former receivers and future NFL talent Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt, one final time.
“I want to make sure I give my guys the best chance,” Mendoza said on the Pat McAfee Show on Feb. 6.
Mendoza is a proven leader, winner and first overall pick. If he can translate his college efficiency into Kubiak’s West Coast offense. The Raiders might quietly be building a team that can contend for the playoffs in years to come.
