Fernando Mendoza Sends Clear Message to Future Raiders HC

Fernando Mendoza hasn’t been shy about his preferences as the NFL Draft approaches, and the projected No. 1 pick is already shaping the conversation around his future. With two months remaining before draft night, the Heisman-winning quarterback appears to be sending a clear message to the Las Vegas Raiders about what he expects from his next team.

Since Fernando updated his now-viral LinkedIn profile to “open to work,” speculation has surged around Las Vegas as a potential landing spot. League insiders see Mendoza as a franchise quarterback, someone a team can confidently build around for the next four to five years.

Rather than staying quiet during the pre-draft process, Fernando Mendoza has begun outlining the type of offense he wants to run at the next level. He has made it clear that he expects an NFL team to tailor its system to his strengths, not force him into a scheme that doesn’t fit.

That message became public during the February 1 episode of Sundae Conversation with Caleb Pressley. Fernando Mendoza openly praised heavy personnel groupings, especially formations featuring two tight ends.

The 12-personnel system, which uses one running back, two tight ends, and two wide receivers, allows offenses to disguise run-pass options and keep defenses guessing. It also formed the backbone of Indiana’s offense during Fernando Mendoza’s dominant 2025 season.

The results were overwhelming. Indiana averaged 41 points per game, and film from the 2025 campaign shows the Hoosiers passed the ball on more than 64% of snaps when lined up in 12-personnel or heavier sets.

The extra tight end consistently acted as a decoy, pulling defenders toward the line of scrimmage. That opened up clean one-on-one matchups outside, which Fernando Mendoza exploited with elite anticipation and timing.

That skill was on full display during his Heisman-defining drive against Penn State. Mendoza repeatedly delivered the ball before receivers even made their breaks, neutralizing coverage before it could react.

Tight end Riley Nowakowski hauled in a key 29-yard catch on that drive, but much of the production came from wide receivers Elijah Sarratt, Omar Cooper Jr., Charlie Becker, and E.J. Williams Jr. The same offensive formula carried over to the biggest stage.

Against Miami in the national championship game, Indiana once again leaned on 12-personnel to attack a physical Hurricanes defense. Nowakowski played a major role as both an in-line blocker and an H-back.

One critical drive featured a 19-yard completion to Becker and ended with a 12-yard designed quarterback draw by Fernando Mendoza for a touchdown. The possession lasted 5 minutes and 39 seconds, highlighting his command of the offense.

The situation in Las Vegas lines up well with Mendoza’s preferred style of play. The Raiders already have a strong foundation at tight end, headlined by Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, giving them rare flexibility in heavier offensive sets.

Bowers offers versatility as a movable chess piece, while Mayer provides a physical, in-line presence with elite blocking ability. Those traits mirror the personnel Fernando Mendoza thrived with in college.

Coaching could further strengthen the connection. The Raiders are reportedly pursuing Klint Kubiak for their head coaching vacancy, and his offense heavily emphasizes RPO concepts that align with Mendoza’s strengths.

Beyond scheme, Mendoza has openly praised the Raiders organization. Although he has never visited Las Vegas, he joked on the podcast that he would “love to go if invited”.

Publicly, Mendoza has said he would be grateful to play anywhere, but his admiration for the Raiders is hard to miss. He has praised the franchise’s culture, coaching staff, and ownership group.

There’s also the Tom Brady connection. Fernando Mendoza has called Brady, now a minority owner of the Raiders, a career role model and his dream dinner guest.

According to reports, Mendoza has privately suggested that joining the Raiders would be the best possible outcome for his career. If that happens, it may not just be about a projected $55 million rookie deal—it could be about stepping into an offense built exactly for what Fernando Mendoza does best.

FAQ:

Also Read: UGA President Demands SEC Action After Ole Miss Tampering Claims