Fernando Mendoza named Raiders’ starting quarterback for Week 10

Las Vegas has named rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza as its starting quarterback heading into Week 10. The Raiders made the decision ahead of their Sunday game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Mendoza, the Raiders’ first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, will take over as the starter following a trade that sent veteran Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick.

The Raiders’ choice puts Mendoza into his first NFL start. His pro action to date has been limited to one regular-season game against the New England Patriots, where he completed 75% of his passes for 48 yards.

Before the draft, Mendoza came to the NFL after a prolific 2025 season at Indiana. He won the Heisman Trophy and a national championship, completing 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdown passes. The Raiders’ Week 10 starter brings that production profile into his early professional opportunity.