Fernando Mendoza has yet to take an NFL snap. The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback is already the betting favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year. ESPN analyst Ben Solak identified the first overall pick as the frontrunner following his Heisman Trophy campaign at Indiana.

In his round-up, Solak weighed in on how Mendoza’s rookie season and the Las Vegas Raiders’ first one with him could go.

“Mendoza should lead this clubhouse,” Solak wrote on May 1 before adding, “Critically, a quarterback also doesn't need to win games to garner OROY love.”

The Raiders’ new quarterback was the first overall pick in the 2026 draft and widely projected to be one. After nearly two decades, the Raiders had a first overall QB pick after drafting JaMarcus Russell with the overall no. 1 pick in 2007.

An OROY award prediction does not seem far-fetched when put against Mendoza’s college career. The 22-year-old is coming with an undefeated 16-0 record in the 2025 NCAA season. 

Mendoza was the Indiana Hoosiers’ star QB and also took home the Heisman Trophy for his 41 touchdowns and 3,535 yards performance.

According to Solak, Mendoza’s priority would be productivity. 

“The path is there for Mendoza to be productive. He doesn't need to start in Week 1, as the Raiders signed a well-paid backup in Kirk Cousins this offseason,” he wrote, addressing the Raiders’ QB room.

Before the draft, the franchise signed veteran QB Kirk Cousins to ensure Mendoza, fresh out of college, does not succumb to the pressure of uplifting the Raiders from their 3-14 record from 2026.

So if he does get a few snaps in this season, it wouldn’t be without the mentorship of Cousins and a legendary QB.

Tom Brady, the minority stakeholder in the Raiders, had already reassured Mendoza that he would be with him every step of the way. 

“He gave me the message that he's going to push me,” Mendoza revealed a day before his draft. “If the Raiders draft me, he's going to be a mentor.”

With a franchise that has surely shown faith in him, Mendoza is now projected to sweep and be the favorite to win one award at this year’s NFL Honors Night. But as of now, he is learning as much as he can.

Fernando Mendoza Shares Insights On His Minicamp

Mendoza is undergoing the Raiders’ minicamp in Henderson and has already learned what he needs to improve.

According to USA Today, Mendoza will have to adapt to playing snaps under center, which are “expected to dramatically increase at the next level.”

While talking to the reporters, Mendoza praised his counterparts and shared what the offense is like under new head coach Klint Kubaik. 

“Everybody really wants to work, and it's a great feeling. I mean, the other quarterbacks are really in tune, but I need more work under center,” Mendoza said. “I still have a long way to go, but those centers are phenomenal, consistent snaps, and the offensive line did a great job.” 

There is a lot of time to see whether Solak’s prediction comes true, and all eyes will be on Mendoza. 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote