Mel Kiper Jr. appeared on “Get Up” to discuss the potential benefits for the Las Vegas Raiders in selecting Fernando Mendoza as their No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza, a standout quarterback from Indiana, is widely regarded as the top prospect in the draft class. At 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, his physical attributes, combined with his impressive college performance, make him a strong candidate for the Raiders this April.
Mendoza’s rise to prominence followed a successful transfer from Cal to Indiana, where he excelled during the 2025 season. Leading the Hoosiers to an undefeated record of 16-0, he not only captured the College Football Playoff national championship but also earned the prestigious Heisman Trophy. His impressive stats include 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdown passes, only six interceptions, and 444 rushing yards with seven rushing touchdowns. Mendoza’s remarkable 90.3 QBR ranked him first in the nation, underscoring his exceptional skill set.
Kiper highlighted Mendoza’s strengths, particularly in executing isolated routes behind run-game concepts and his three-quarters throwing release, which have contributed to his successful passing game. His 79.2% adjusted completion percentage was the second-best in the nation during the 2025 season, and he has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in the red zone, recording 27 touchdowns without an interception—which was the highest in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
Mendoza’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity are defining characteristics. Notably, he led the Hoosiers to crucial victories, including a decisive road win against Oregon and an 80-yard game-winning drive at Penn State. His toughness was on full display as he helped his team secure a dramatic victory in the Big Ten Championship game and scored the game-winning touchdown in the national championship against Miami.
However, there are areas where Mendoza needs improvement. He has shown difficulty when forced out of the pocket, completing only 53.2% of his passes in such situations during 2025, with his performance under true pressure dropping to 50%. Additionally, Mendoza primarily operated from the shotgun formation and took only 3% of his snaps under center, which is a crucial transition he will need to navigate at the professional level to enhance his effectiveness in the NFL.
As the draft approaches, Mendoza’s profile as a quarterback continues to gain attention, and his journey from a successful college career to a hopeful NFL future will be closely followed by fans and analysts alike. The Raiders could find themselves with a transformative player if they decide to make Mendoza the centerpiece of their franchise.