Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza gets brutally honest on jump from college football to NFL

Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza got real about adjusting to life in the NFL after experiencing an incredible collegiate career with the Indiana Hoosiers.

Mendoza is preparing for the rookie season of his NFL career with the Raiders. Following an incredible ending to a collegiate career at Indiana, the star quarterback went on to be the top overall pick of the 2026 draft. Las Vegas valued his potential.

The Raiders look to him as the future, hoping to return to serious playoff contention in the AFC. Sharing time at the quarterback spot with Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell in the preseason, Mendoza has had chances to show his chops.

Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown in the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals. However, he took a step back against the Houston Texans after throwing for 86 yards on eight completions within 15 attempts. He also committed an interception that resulted in Houston scoring a touchdown.

Mendoza reflected on his performance after the game, per reporter Sam Warren. Having succeeded in college, the rookie understands he will step up in a big way to prevail at the professional level.

“There’s a lot more learning to do, and that although maybe you had a lot of success at another level, this level is a whole step further.”

Fernando Mendoza on what he learned from the joint practice and preseason game against the Texans this week.

“There’s a lot more learning to do, and that although maybe you had a lot of success at another level, this level is a whole step further.” pic.twitter.com/x4lKY5ywqP

— Sam Warren (@samwarren83) August 21, 2026

How Fernando Mendoza, Raiders played against Texans

Fernando Mendoza has a high ceiling as a quarterback who achieved so much in college. However, he will have to dig deep to get the best out of himself as the cornerstone player for the Raiders.

Houston jumped out to a solid lead against Las Vegas, leading 20-3 at halftime. Despite this, the Raiders fought back as they outscored the Texans 19-0 to complete the rally and secure the preseason victory.

The rushing attack shined in this game for Las Vegas. Dylan Laube, Dare Ogunbowale and Aidan O’Connell reached the end zone for rushing touchdowns.

The Raiders have one preseason game left on the schedule, facing the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 27 at 8 p.m. ET. After that, their regular season begins at home against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13 at 4:25 p.m. ET.