This weekend, the spotlight will shine brightly on the NFL as 12 teams gear up for significant matchups. Simultaneously, college football fans are poised for the highly anticipated College Football National Championship, which will feature the Indiana Hoosiers facing off against the Miami Hurricanes.
Among the players to watch is Indiana’s quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be the center of attention. The Las Vegas Raiders will be in attendance at the championship game to closely evaluate Mendoza, who is projected to be the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Raiders are looking to secure their future with a franchise quarterback, and Mendoza fits that bill.
Mendoza’s credentials are impressive; he is the reigning Heisman Trophy winner who has steered the undefeated Hoosiers through the College Football playoffs, defeating formidable opponents such as Alabama and Oregon. His performance has been nothing short of remarkable, throwing eight touchdowns while only accumulating five incompletions during those playoffs.
As this championship game presents the last opportunity for the Raiders—and any other NFL team—to witness Mendoza in action before the 2026 Draft scheduled for April, it promises to be a thrilling weekend for both college football and the NFL community. The excitement surrounding this matchup and the potential selection of Mendoza adds an element of anticipation to the future of the Raiders and the league as a whole.