The Las Vegas Raiders have made their final decision on the No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, and all signs point to Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza becoming the franchise’s new cornerstone. As the dust settles from one of the most dominant college football seasons in recent memory, whispers of Tom Brady’s behind-the-scenes influence have emerged, revealing a calculated, long-term vision for the young signal-caller who just stunned the nation with his post-championship outburst.
Mendoza, the 22-year-old redshirt junior from Miami, Florida, capped an extraordinary 2025 campaign by leading the Indiana Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 record, the program’s first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship, and the Heisman Trophy. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, he threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions while completing 72 percent of his passes. He added 276 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground, showcasing the dual-threat ability that made him the consensus top prospect in a thin quarterback class.
The pinnacle came in the CFP National Championship against Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026. In a tense 27-21 victory, Mendoza delivered a clutch 12-yard touchdown run on fourth down to seal the win, then kneeled out the clock amid euphoric celebrations. As ESPN’s postgame coverage rolled on, Mendoza spoke live to sideline reporter Holly Rowe on the field. Overwhelmed by the moment, he let slip a short, three-word message that echoed across television screens: “Let’s f***ing go!”
The expletive, captured clearly before the broadcast could cut away, immediately went viral. Viewers were stunned by the raw emotion from the usually composed quarterback, who had built a reputation for poise and maturity. In follow-up interviews, Mendoza addressed the slip with a laugh, attributing it to being “overwhelmed by emotion.” The phrase, famously associated with Tom Brady’s high-energy motivational style during his playing days, added an ironic twist to the narrative. It was a moment that humanized the phenom and hinted at the fire that has scouts and executives salivating.
Enter Tom Brady. The seven-time Super Bowl champion, now a minority owner of the Raiders, has been deeply involved in the team’s direction since acquiring his stake. With the Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick after a dismal season that led to Pete Carroll’s firing, Brady has reportedly pushed for a bold reset at quarterback. NFL insiders, including Jordan Schultz, have detailed Brady’s “secret plan” to pair Mendoza with an offensive-minded head coach who can maximize the rookie’s skills from day one.
Brady’s vision isn’t just about selecting talent—it’s about creating the right environment. He has emphasized building around a mature, high-character leader who can handle the pressure of being the face of a franchise. In a recent appearance on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” Brady praised Mendoza effusively: “He’s played tremendous all season, 16-0, leading his team. And again, he’s another guy that, when you hear him speak—I always kind of judge quarterbacks and go, ‘How would I have answered that?’ He’s just a very mature young man, and he’s got a bright future.”
That maturity was evident throughout Mendoza’s journey. After starting his career at California, where he amassed solid but unspectacular numbers, he transferred to Indiana and exploded under coach Curt Cignetti. The Hoosiers’ turnaround from perennial underachievers to national champions was fueled by Mendoza’s leadership, poise in high-stakes games, and ability to deliver in clutch situations. His postgame interviews often reflected gratitude and focus, giving credit to teammates, coaches, and faith. Even his declaration for the draft was understated yet confident: “Let’s get to work. I’m humbled to announce that I am officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft!”
For the Raiders, the decision to go with Mendoza feels inevitable. The team has struggled at quarterback for years, cycling through veterans and failed prospects. Brady’s involvement signals a shift toward long-term stability. Reports suggest the organization is targeting a head coach with a track record of developing young passers, someone who can install a scheme that plays to Mendoza’s strengths—quick release, accuracy on intermediate routes, and the mobility to extend plays. This approach contrasts with past drafts where high picks were thrust into chaotic situations without proper support.
Analysts have debated the move. Some, like Dan Patrick, have cautioned against taking a quarterback first overall without a ready supporting cast, urging the Raiders to trade down. Others, including Dan Orlovsky, argue Mendoza’s performance in the CFP—where he faced NFL-like pressure—was too impressive to pass up. His championship game showing, with efficient passing and a game-sealing scramble, proved he thrives under lights.
Mendoza’s three-word exclamation on national TV may have been a fleeting slip, but it resonated deeply. It mirrored the intensity Brady brought to every huddle, and now, as the Raiders prepare to hand the keys to this young star, that same energy could become the spark for a new era in Las Vegas. With Brady pulling strings behind the scenes, the plan is clear: surround Mendoza with the right people, protect him, and let his talent elevate the franchise.
As the draft approaches, excitement builds in Raider Nation. Mendoza’s journey from transfer portal standout to Heisman winner and national champion has been remarkable. His stunned ESPN moment captured the joy of triumph, but the real story is what comes next. If Brady’s blueprint succeeds, the Raiders could have their quarterback of the future—and perhaps, in time, a new chapter of sustained success. For now, the decision is made, the pick is locked in, and the future looks brighter than it has in years.
