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Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza forecasted to have efficient rookie season
TL;DR
Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, is forecasted to have an efficient rookie season with the Las Vegas Raiders, potentially completing 66.1% of his passes for 2,512 yards. He faces competition from veteran Kirk Cousins but is expected to see significant playing time in 2026.
Key points
- Fernando Mendoza is the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner
- Projected to complete 66.1% of passes for 2,512 yards
- Competing with Kirk Cousins for starting QB role
- Expected to see significant playing time in 2026
- Had a 72% completion rate with 41-6 TD-INT ratio in college
Mentioned in this story
Kirk Cousins
Heisman TrophyIndianaFernando MendozaLas Vegas Raiders
How good will Fernando Mendoza be in his rookie season with the Las Vegas Raiders? Playing time will dictate just how much Mendoza will be able to accomplish in 2026. The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner has a position battle on his hands with Kirk Cousins. However, Mendoza has a chance to see significant playing time even if he doesn't win the Raiders' starting quarterback job right out of the gates.
According to Sports Illustrated's Eva Geitheim, Mendoza projects to complete 66.1 percent of his passes for 2,512 yards and a 16-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio next season in the event that he is given ample playing time.
The Raiders are not looking to start Fernando Mendoza immediately, preferring to sit him behind veteran Kirk Cousins. Even so, it’s likely Mendoza will see the field at some point as a rookie. Assuming he sees significant playing time in 2026, he should be able to put up respectable numbers.
Mendoza was strikingly effient in 2025 at Indiana. The Miami native completed 72 percent of his passes with a 41-6 TD-INT ratio. Mendoza looked ready for the NFL last season with his ability to move the chains, extend drives and make throws in all three phases of the field.
In the event that the Raiders start their new franchise cornerstone from day one, Mendoza has the chance to far exceed those numbers. With the reins handed to him early in the season as a replacement for Cousins, Mendoza will be primed to succeed with the starts that he's given.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza forecasted to have efficient rookie season
Q&A
What are Fernando Mendoza's projected stats for his rookie season with the Raiders?
Fernando Mendoza is projected to complete 66.1% of his passes for 2,512 yards with a 16-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Who is competing with Fernando Mendoza for the starting quarterback position on the Raiders?
Mendoza is competing with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins for the starting position on the Las Vegas Raiders.
How did Fernando Mendoza perform in college before joining the NFL?
In 2025 at Indiana, Mendoza completed 72% of his passes with a 41-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio, showcasing his efficiency.
