Coming off a historic season with the Indiana Hoosiers, Fernando Mendoza is set to begin his NFL career this fall with plenty of hype.
Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards and accounted for 48 total touchdowns in his Heisman Trophy-winning campaign, and led the way for Indiana to orchestrate the best season in program history. The Hoosier gunslinger made history last month, as he became just the fourth quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy, win a National Championship, and become the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft all in the same year. Not too shabby.
His selection as the No. 1 overall pick wasn't a surprise, as he was the overwhelming favorite to be the top selection in the weeks leading up to the draft. Known for his pin-point accuracy, strong athleticism, elite football IQ, and NFL-ready frame at 6'5" 230 pounds, Mendoza figures to be one of the most closely-watched players in the NFL next season.
However, NFL fans might have to work to find Raiders games on their television sets.
Raiders don't receive any prime time games for Fernando Mendoza's rookie season
The NFL schedule for all 32 teams was released on Thursday night, and the Raiders schedule comes with one big surprise.
Las Vegas was not scheduled for any prime time games.
The Raiders are one of five teams without a prime time nod, joining the Dolphins, Titans, Jets, and Cardinals.
The five teams with ZERO primetime games 😟 pic.twitter.com/NF3fIqzS5H
— PFF (@PFF) May 15, 2026
Things are looking up in Las Vegas, but the NFL still said no to prime time slots
Sure, the Raiders winning only three games last year doesn't bode well for their prime time inclusion next season. But the decision to snub Mendoza and the Raiders completely is a bit surprising. Mendoza is one of the most highly-touted quarterback prospects the NFL has seen in recent years, and his presence alone has the vibe in Las Vegas trending up.
Furthermore, the Raiders have made their roster significantly better this offseason. Additions on the offensive side of the ball include C Tyler Linderbaum, WR Jalen Naylor, and 14-year NFL QB Kirk Cousins. Cousins' veteran experience could make him the perfect mentor for Mendoza as he begins his NFL career. Linderbaum is one of the best centers in the NFL, and Naylor is an under-the-radar receiver who could be on breakout watch.
The defense also got a big upgrade through free agency. The Raiders signed LB Quay Walker, LB Nakobe Dean, DE Kwity Paye, CB Eric Stokes, and DE Malcolm Koonce, while also trading for CB Taron Johnson.
Perhaps most importantly, the franchise made the move to part ways with Pete Carroll after last year's 3-14 season, and now have Klint Kubiak leading the way. Kubiak is one of the best offensive minds in football, and he seems to be stepping into a pretty ideal scenario in Las Vegas.
All of those changes have things looking up in Las Vegas, but apparently not up enough for the NFL to give the Raiders a prime time slot. Things could still change if a Raiders game is flexed to prime time, but not getting one during the initial schedule release is a low blow from the NFL.
Full Las Vegas Raiders 2026-27 schedule
Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins
Week 2: @ Los Angeles Chargers
Week 3: @ New Orleans Saints
Week 4: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Week 5: @ New England Patriots
Week 6: vs. Buffalo Bills
Week 7: vs. Los Angeles Rams
Week 8: @ New York Jets
Week 9: @ San Francisco 49ers
Week 10: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Week 11: @ Denver Broncos
Week 12: @ Cleveland Browns
Week 13: BYE
Week 14: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Week 15: vs. Denver Broncos
Week 16: vs. Tennessee Titans
Week 17: @ Arizona Cardinals
Week 18: @ Kansas City Chiefs
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