Fernando Mendoza's journey from overlooked two-star recruit to the top of the NFL draft is complete after the Las Vegas Raiders took him with the first pick on Thursday night. Turning the Raiders into a contender is the next challenge for the Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to its first national championship. The 22-year-old quarterback wasn't in the Steel City for the festivities, choosing instead to celebrate with family and friends at home in Miami.

Here is the report card for the Las Vegas Raiders decision to hold on to the No. 1 pick and select quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the NFL draft on Thursday.

The Las Vegas Raiders have selected Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 draft pick of 2026, locking up the promising quarterback as was widely expected.

PITTSBURGH – As expected, the Raiders have made Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza the first overall pick in the NFL draft. Touted as the decidedly best quarterback prospect in the draft,...