Fernando Mendoza discusses transition from college football to NFL with Raiders

Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza shared insights on adjusting to the NFL during Raiders' preseason activities. Following a strong collegiate career with the Indiana Hoosiers, Mendoza was the top pick in the 2026 draft. He has played in the preseason alongside Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals but struggled against the Houston Texans. The Texans held a 20-3 lead at halftime, though the Raiders rallied in the second half to score 19 unanswered points and win. Mendoza reflected on the learning curve he faces at the professional level ahead of the Raiders’ final preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers on August 27.

• 5:02 AMYahoo Sports — Raiders news: Fernando Mendoza gets brutally honest on jump from college football to NFL