The Fernando Mendoza era in Las Vegas has officially arrived. The Raiders selected the Indiana quarterback No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night from Pittsburgh.

Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books. Things got off to an expected start with the Raiders drafting Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick and the Jets taking a pass rusher in David Bailey at No.

Nate Tice and Charles McDonald rank the best players still on the board heading into the final day of the NFL Draft.

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The Las Vegas Raiders hope they have finally landed their franchise quarterback, taking Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza with the first overall selection Thursday night in the NFL draft.

2026 NFL Draft first-round picks, grades as Fernando Mendoza goes No. 1, Jeremiyah Love heads to Cardinals, Rams take Ty Simpson at No. 13 The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is complete, with plenty of surprises as teams picked up the first of their incoming rookies.

Fernando Mendoza has had a remarkable last 12 months and the 22-year-old added another milestone to his constantly growing resume: Becoming the top selection in the NFL draft.

Cal and Stanford laid quasi-claim to two of the top two selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, although the connection was indirect and somewhat bittersweet in both cases. Former Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza went No.

"It's official. Grateful for the opportunity and ready to get to work!"

Watch as the Las Vegas Raiders select Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Anticipation for the 2026 NFL Draft is at its peak with just one day remaining until the Las Vegas Raiders go on the clock. Their intention to select Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall has been the worst-kept secret of draft season,