Fernando Mendoza drops honest admission on potentially drafting him with No.1 overall pick

Fernando Mendoza is being predicted as No.1 pick in this year's NFL draft. The Las Vegas Raiders hold this selection after finishing fourth in the AFC West with a bad 3-14 record.

Fernando Mendoza to become No.1 pick

On Friday's edition of the "Up & Adams" show, Mendoza expressed his opinion on possibly joining the Raider to start his NFL career.

"The Raiders fans are some of the best fans in all of the NFL," Mendoza said. "They're diehard, they're loyal. And, I mean, they really go all in for their team. ... The NFL drafts in April. So whatever teams drafts me, I want to make sure and try and give it my all to be set up like Drake Maye or Sam Darnold one day.

" It's not just one guy that's going to go in and completely supersede everything. There's so many great veterans on every team, including the Raiders. ... There's so many guys on the offensive and defensive line that are just great leaders on the team. And I believe that. I'm going to do everyhting I can."

Fernando Mendoza started his collegiate career with the California Golden Bears in 2022. He then decided to transfer to play for the Indiana Hoosies in December 2024 and was named the QB1 after his arrival.

The quarterback had an amazing 2025 campaign with the Hoosiers. They won the Big Ten Championship and were crowned as the undefeated national champions, overthrowing former victors, the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Mendoza registered 3,535 yards and 41 TDs passing for the Hoosiers. He was also honored with the Heisman trophy, making him the first player in the school's history to win the coveted award.

Raiders owner Tom Brady gives his thoughts on Fernando Mendoza

The Raiders faced struggles in offense this season under quarterback Geno Smith. There were the worst team in the league in total offense, averaging 245.2 yards and 25 TDs passing.

With the draft and offseason coming up, the Raiders are set to make some changes to their roster. On Tuesday, minority owner Tom Brady discussed Fernando Mendoza, who is their potential No.1 overall pick.

"What do I really value?" Brady said on the "Let's Go" podcast (Timestamp-17:45). "When I see him and he talks about his teammates. When he wins the Heisman Trophy and he's praising everybody else. That's an endearing quality for a great leader."

The Raiders also parted ways with Pete Caroll after just one season after the disastrous campaign. The Raiders have finalized a deal with Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to take over as his replacement following their Super Bowl LX showdown against the Patriots.