Fernando Mendoza is about to get his first chance at being a starting QB in the NFL.
On Tuesday afternoon, Adam Schefter reported that the Las Vegas Raiders are trading veteran QB Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings. The move is sending shockwaves through the NFL, as it reunites Cousins with a contending Vikings team, and opens the door for Mendoza to take over as Las Vegas' QB1.
Raiders No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will now take over as the starting QB following Kirk Cousins’ trade to Minnesota.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 10, 2026
Las Vegas is 4-5, and Mendoza’s first two career starts will come against the Seahawks and Broncos, two of the NFL’s top defenses. pic.twitter.com/KFz0OfJt2J
When Mendoza was drafted No. 1 overall by the Raiders back in April, there was plenty of speculation about whether or not he would be the team's starting QB in Week 1. But later in the spring, the Raiders signed Cousins, a 14-year NFL veteran, to their roster.
Mendoza and Cousins competed in training camp, with the starting nod eventually going to Cousins. It wasn't necessarily a surprising move, as Raiders GM John Spytek made it clear from the start that he didn't want to turn his franchise over to a rookie QB right away. But now it's clear that the franchise is ready to turn to Mendoza.
Fernando Mendoza to be QB1 for the Raiders following Kirk Cousins trade
Cousins started the first nine games of the season for Las Vegas, completing 64.1% of his passes for 2,340 yards and 20 touchdowns with 8 interceptions. The Raiders started hot, winning each of their first three games to start the season. They've since cooled off significantly, dropping five of their last six games. Now entering Week 10 of the season, Las Vegas is handing the reins of the offense over to Mendoza.
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Mendoza got his first taste of NFL regular season action back on October 11 against the Patriots. The Raiders were losing by a wide margin in the 2nd half, and Mendoza was put in for some mop-up duty. He performed well, completing 6 of his 8 passes for 48 yards while also adding 3 rushing yards.
The Raiders QB situation seems to be going according to plan. Cousins was never the long-term answer in Las Vegas. The Raiders Drafted Mendoza No. 1 overall as the QB of the future, and then brought in a seasoned veteran to show him the ropes. They then let Mendoza watch and learn for the first half of the season, and are now ready to turn him loose.
Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and Indiana football legend, will make his first career NFL start this Sunday, November 15 against the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. That is a tough assignment for the young playmaker. But Indiana fans know that Mendoza will be ready for the moment. He takes immense pride in his attention to detail and preparation, and he won't be phased by the moment.
Kick-off between the Raiders and Seahawks is set for 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Hoosier fans everywhere are sure to be rooting for Mendoza to succeed.
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