Mendoza Debuts with TD in Raiders Preseason Loss

Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, made his professional debut for the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night, August 13, 2026, throwing a touchdown pass in a 27-14 preseason loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The game, played at Allegiant Stadium, marked the first preseason contest for both teams and offered an initial look at the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback in an NFL uniform.

Mendoza, who led Indiana to a national championship last season, entered the game in the second series after veteran starter Kirk Cousins guided the opening drive to a touchdown. The rookie completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a 6-yard touchdown to wide receiver Jack Bech over four offensive drives. He also rushed twice for 6 yards. Despite the scoring strike, Mendoza was critical of his own performance. "Coach Andrew Janocko, coach Klint Kubiak and coach Mike Sullivan, they all have a very high standard and that's a standard that I want to one day get to and that I know our entire offensive unit and team wants to get to and I did not meet that standard," Mendoza told reporters. He cited a need to improve his timing, anticipation, and ability to read NFL defenses.