Las Vegas Raiders enter 2026 season with youth at quarterback

The Las Vegas Raiders head into the 2026 season following a first-overall draft selection after a winless campaign last year. The franchise transition centers on Fernando Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner who will begin the season as a backup to Kirk Cousins. Klint Kubiak takes over as head coach to oversee the development of the young roster, which includes a top-ranked tight end group led by Brock Bowers. While the front office upgraded the offensive line with Tyler Linderbaum and added Ashton Jeanty at running back, the team enters the year with an unproven wide receiver corps. Jalen Nailor is expected to compete for a larger role in the passing attack to support the offense. Expectations for the team remain modest during this rebuilding phase in the AFC West.

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