Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza acknowledged the substantial difference in competition he experienced during his first NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, stated that the NFL represents a "different level" compared to his collegiate career.
Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown in four drives during the preseason opener. This performance marked him as the first No. 1 pick to throw a touchdown pass in his preseason debut since Baker Mayfield in 2018. Despite flashes of brilliance, Mendoza also showed signs of a quarterback adjusting to the professional speed of the game.
His initial drive resulted in two incompletions, leading to a punt. However, Mendoza regrouped on the subsequent drive, connecting with wide receiver Jake Bech for a 6-yard touchdown pass that tied the game at 14. The Raiders ultimately lost the preseason matchup to the Cardinals, 27-14, but Mendoza's performance was viewed as a promising, albeit developmental, step.
Mendoza's collegiate career included leading Indiana to their first national championship. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins also saw action in the game, completing 5 of 6 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown to tight end Michael Mayer. Cousins has secured the starting quarterback position ahead of training camp, though coach Klint Kubiak indicated the job is his to lose. The Raiders organization drafted Mendoza with the expectation that he will be the future face of the franchise, but his transition and claim to that role are still developing.