5 things to know about Raiders rookie QB Fernando Mendoza

The Fernando Mendoza era is official for the Las Vegas Raiders.

After the Raiders traded Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings in the final hours leading up to the NFL trade deadline Tuesday, the 2026 No. 1 overall pick’s first career start is upon us.

Here’s five things to know about Mendoza:

1. Mendoza has played this season

While Mendoza was backup to Cousins for the first nine games of the season, he did see the field late in a 45-17 loss to the New England Patriots on Oct. 11. Mendoza played 17 snaps, completing 6 of 8 pass attempts for 48 yards.

However, the bulk of his NFL experience so far was during the preseason. In three games, Mendoza completed 25 of 45 passes (55.6 percent) for 240 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

2. As decorated as rookie QBs come

What made Mendoza a No. 1 overall prospect?

He flew relatively under the radar at Cal before transferring to Indiana for the 2025 season. He put together a prolific, Heisman Trophy-winning season, racking up 3,535 yards passing, 41 touchdowns and throwing only six interceptions. The Hoosiers went a perfect 13-0 en route to a national championship.

3. Athleticism runs in the family

Born and raised in Miami, Mendoza isn’t the only athlete in the family. His younger brother, Alberto, plays quarterback at Georgia Tech and was his backup at Indiana during the 2025 season.

Mendoza’s mother, Elsa, was a former tennis player at the University of Miami. His father played high school football with University of Miami head football coach Mario Cristobal.

4. Born from immigrants

Mendoza is of Cuban descent. All four of his grandparents were born and raised in Cuba, three from Havana and one from Santiago.

He has shown his Cuban heritage is one of pride, closing his Heisman acceptance speech with a message to his grandparents in Spanish: “For the love and sacrifice of my parents and grandparents, I love you a lot. From all my heart, I thank you.”

5. Wise beyond his years

At just 23 years old, Mendoza has shown a maturity rare at his age.

A business major, Mendoza is passionate about financial literacy, which has become part of his public image. He has a launched a video series tailored to offering Gen Z financial tips and is also a partnership with U.S. Bank, helping shape a financial guidance program designed for athletes and young people navigate their finances.

He also launched the Mendoza Family Fund, pledging $500,000 to the National MS Society to help in the fight against multiple sclerosis, which is mother has battled with for nearly two decades. Earlier this month, it was announced that fund had surpassed $1 million raised.

Contact Trevor Squire at [email protected]. Follow him at @trevordsquire on X.