The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft. However, the New York Jets are rumored to be interested in trading up and potentially selecting Mendoza in the draft.
The Hoosiers quarterback was asked by sports show host Jake Asman, who said he wished Mendoza was selected by the Jets. Mendoza replied:
“We’ll see what happens!”
NFL fans reacted to Mendoza’s comments on potentially being drafted by the Jets.
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“Not even the Raiders can screw up this pick.”
“Jesus wouldn’t do that to him. He’s a man of god lol.”
“I wish we would get him. He’s a nice kid. He’s gonna make an awesome quarterback in the NFL.”
“Don’t jinx my Hoosier like that! He deserves better than to be a Jet.”
“He’s just doing that to make you happy. He knows where he’s headed.”
It’s highly unlikely the Raiders will give up the chance to draft the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, but if they do, it will need a considerable offer from the Jets.
Also Read: Fernando Mendoza gets brutally honest on being picked by Jets in 2026 NFL Draft
Raiders coach Klint Kubiak wants to select a “winner” in NFL draft
Fernando Mendoza helped the Hoosiers to a 16-0 record, leading them to their first championship. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said the team wants “winners” like Mendoza.
“Excited to keep learning about him and it’s not just me, it’s our entire coaching staff,” Kubiak said. “I want all of our coaches to get involved, especially at that position. I want everybody’s input, but obviously he’s been successful. He had a lot of success last year. He won a national championship and that’s what you want. You want a winner.”
While Mendoza helped the Hoosiers to the National Championship, Kubiak is coming off a Super Bowl-winning campaign with the Seattle Seahawks as their offensive coordinator in 2025.
Edited by Chaitanya Prakash