Indiana's Fernando Mendoza. Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Fernando Mendoza gets warning about being drafted by Raiders

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jan 24, 2026 9:11 AM ET

Fernando Mendoza is playing nice when it comes to the possibility of landing with the Las Vegas Raiders, even when not everyone else is.

Mendoza appeared on “Today” Friday less than a week after winning the national championship with the Indiana Hoosiers.

The likely No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft had his interview crashed by “Today” co-host and Raiders fan Carson Daly, who had something of a warning for the Indiana quarterback.

“On behalf of Las Vegas, I just want to say, should you end up with us, I’m sorry,” Daly joked. “If you win more than three games, you’re a hero.”

NEWS: Fernando Mendoza spoke on being drafted as the number one pick by the #Raiders.

“The Raiders have a great culture, have a great coaching staff, great ownership group. It’s all around. Those are legit guys. I’d be happy to end anywhere”

(Via Today)pic.twitter.com/U7Rw1stfVR
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) January 23, 2026

Mendoza played it cool and praised the Raiders’ ownership, coaches and culture. He diplomatically added that he’d be “happy to end up anywhere.”

Nobody would have expected anything less from Mendoza, who is extremely polished and says basically everything one would want to hear from a franchise quarterback. He’s also smart enough not to trash his likely NFL landing spot on national television.

While Mendoza prepares for the NFL and a likely landing spot in Vegas, his younger brother will also be playing somewhere other than Indiana next season.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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