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.

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.

The Hoosiers were on the field when their former quarterback was taken to open the 2026 NFL Draft. IU knows what the Raiders are getting.

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.

The 2026 NFL Draft is underway, and the pick we were all expecting to happen kicked things off. The Las Vegas Raiders selected former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall, and he will now become the centerpiece of the Las Vegas offense.

"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.

The top offensive players chosen in the 2026 NFL draft are expected to make immediate impacts across their respective teams.