Fernando Mendoza says he is ready for the next step in his football career, even though it comes with a major change. In an exclusive interview with E! News at the Time 100 Sports Gala on July 16, the former Indiana University Bloomington quarterback said moving from the Midwest to Las Vegas will be a big transition.
Mendoza was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He told E! News that he expects there will be some challenges along the way, but said he is excited about the opportunity and hopes to find success in the future.
The 22-year-old said he has been spending plenty of time training as he prepares for his rookie season. According to Mendoza, that work has included sessions with Alex Guerrero, the Raiders’ head of performance, along with strength coach A.J. Neibel and the team’s training staff.
Mendoza said his body feels ready and that he is in peak shape heading into the season. He also said he has received helpful advice from other players, but believes it is important to stay genuine and follow what works best for him.
During his ESPYs acceptance speech, Mendoza also emphasized how much his teammates mean to him. He said football is a team sport and thanked his family, coaches, Hoosier Nation and, most of all, his teammates.
