Anonymous ACC coach questions Mendoza's NFL arm traits
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza drew criticism Monday from an anonymous Atlantic Coast Conference coach who questioned his readiness for the NFL. The coach, who faced Mendoza during his time at California, told ESPN the quarterback relies on back-shoulder throws that his college receivers turned into big plays. Such throws, the coach said, would get picked off against NFL defenses.
Mendoza earned the Heisman Trophy in the 2025 college season at Indiana, where he led the Hoosiers to a national championship before the Raiders selected him No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL draft. He joins a Raiders offense under head coach Klint Kubiak, with veteran Kirk Cousins slated to mentor the rookie. Previously, Mendoza played for the Cal Golden Bears.
In his lone season as Indiana's starter, Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns. He delivered a game-winning touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr. against Penn State, with Cooper securing the ball on a toe-tap sideline catch with 36 seconds left. Indiana beat Miami in the national title game.
Raiders general manager John Spytek dismissed trade talk around the top pick last month, calling Mendoza a big, athletic thrower who is smart and driven. Mendoza participated in rookie minicamp this week at Intermountain Health Performance Center in Henderson, Nevada.