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El Paso's Fernando Mendoza Becomes First Overall Pick in NFL Draft 2026

KVIA•Friday, April 24, 2026 at 1:37 AM•CNN Newsource

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Fernando Mendoza, a 22-year-old quarterback from El Paso, achieved a significant milestone by being selected first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. This selection follows an impressive year where he led the Indiana Hoosiers to their first national championship, finishing the season with a perfect record of 16-0. Mendoza's accolades include being named the AP Player of the Year and winning the Davey O’Brien Award. He is now set to join a competitive quarterback roster in Las Vegas, alongside Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell, marking a new chapter in his football career. Mendoza's selection is historic as he becomes the first quarterback chosen first by the Raiders since JaMarcus Russell in 2007.

Key Details: • Mendoza led Indiana Hoosiers to a national championship and a 16-0 season. • He was selected first overall in the NFL Draft 2026 by the Las Vegas Raiders. • Mendoza is the fourth quarterback to win the Heisman, a national championship, and be the first overall pick since 1967. • He will join quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell in Las Vegas.

football nfl draft fernando-mendoza raiders

People & Organizations

NFLLas VegasIndianaLas Vegas RaidersBloomingtonFernando MendozaCoral GablesRoger GoodellKirk CousinsAidan O’ConnellIndiana Hoosiers

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