The NFL opened the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night with the Las Vegas Raiders on the clock, and their choice came as no surprise.

With the first overall pick, the Raiders selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The most anticipated decision of the draft was never in doubt.

Mendoza chose not to travel to Pittsburgh for the event, instead celebrating at home surrounded by his entire family.

MORE: How to buy Fernando Mendoza Las Vegas Raiders NFL jerseys

He shared the moment with his biggest supporters—those who stood by him through recruiting, his commitment to Cal, and his transfer to Indiana.

ESPN captured the emotional scene as Mendoza heard his name called. With his mother by his side, he embraced his family as he realized a lifelong dream.

In a remarkable five-month span, Mendoza’s family watched him become a Heisman Trophy winner, a national champion, and now the first overall pick.

The entire Mendoza family donned silver-and-black draft caps to celebrate the occasion. Mendoza now turns his focus to the next chapter of his football career.

MORE: 2026 NFL Draft tracker & results, full list of first-round picks

The Raiders bring Mendoza in after signing Kirk Cousins, but they have made it clear that the best quarterback will earn the starting job. Head coach Klint Kubiak has reportedly built the offense with Mendoza in mind, according to ESPN’s draft coverage.

Mendoza surged up draft boards during the 2025 college football season, throwing for more than 3,500 yards and 41 touchdowns while leading Indiana to a perfect season.

Now, he faces the challenge of helping the Raiders return to glory. Can Mendoza make an immediate impact and carry his championship momentum into the NFL?