Former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is entering the league as one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory after leading the Hoosiers to an unbeaten Big Ten and national championship double in his sole season in Bloomington. The 2026 NFL Draft No. 1 pick will have to battle to become the Las Vegas Raiders’ QB1 next season.
Maxx Crosby Gives Fernando Mendoza Solid Advice
During this week’s segment of “The Rush” podcast with Maxx Crosby, the Raiders defensive end offered Mendoza advice on how to be accepted by teammates and rivals in the league after transitioning from college football.
“If you’re not genuine, guys pick up real quick,” Crosby said. “College is different. You’re growing as a man, you’re trying to figure out who you are and evolve as a leader, and you’re still going to school. You’re just trying to figure out life and how to operate. But once you get to the league, everyone’s grown men. Dudes have full families.
“They have different types of motivations, and everyone’s coming from a different walk of life. So being genuine, you’ll never go wrong. And trust me, I’m a little weird too. I do a lot of (expletive). I’m not saying you’re weird, but I’m off the wall sometimes, and I’ll say some (expletive)… You never want to be a toned-down version of yourself.”
In his Heisman Trophy-winning season, Mendoza earned a PFN College QB Impact score of 93.3, the second-best in the country. He registered 3,535 passing yards, while completing 72% of his throws for 41 touchdowns and six interceptions, while adding 276 rushing yards and seven touchdowns for the Hoosiers.
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Despite his status as a number one draft pick, Mendoza will have a mighty tussle to become the Raiders’ starter under center next season. The Raiders signed veteran Kirk Cousins to a five-year contract worth up to $172 million ($20 million fully guaranteed).
Crosby further advised Mendoza on how to fit into any NFL locker room and said:
“You never want to be over the top trying to prove, ‘I’m the funny guy in the room’ or ‘I’m the greatest leader anybody could be.’ Leaders just lead, and good people are just good people,” Crosby said.
“Guys gravitate toward that. So, the people giving you that advice, they’re 100 percent spot on. Kirk [Cousins] and all the people who have mentioned that as well, it’s spot on.”
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Last season, the Raiders’ quarterback room was one of the most chaotic in the league, with Geno Smith, Kenny Pickett, and Aidan O’Connell all getting minutes for the struggling franchise.
After going 3-14 and firing coach Pete Carroll, the Raiders have ushered in a new era with coach Klint Kubiak, who masterminded the Seattle Seahawks’ offense when they won Super Bowl LX.
