Fernando Mendoza is widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, according to multiple verified reports. The quarterback from Indiana University, who has Cuban roots, earned the Heisman Trophy after throwing for 3,150 yards and 41 touchdowns with just six interceptions last season. His performance included a 73% completion rate and a 130.7 passer rating in ranked games, contributing to a 6-0 record in those contests.
The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with the first round scheduled for April 23, rounds two and three on April 24 and rounds four through seven concluding on April 25. The Raiders secured the top selection after finishing the previous season with a 3-14 record, the worst in the league.
Despite being the projected No. 1 pick, Mendoza has informed the NFL that he does not plan to attend the draft in person. Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Mendoza wants to share the experience with his family in Miami. This decision places him among recent top prospects like Travon Walker (2022), Trevor Lawrence (2021), Baker Mayfield (2018), and Myles Garrett (2017), who also chose to spend draft night with family instead of attending the event.
Beyond Mendoza, several other Latino prospects are drawing attention in this year’s draft class. KC Concepcion, a wide receiver from Texas A&M with Puerto Rican heritage, recorded 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns last season. The 20-year-old, born in Rochester, New York, is projected as a first- or second-round pick, with the New York Giants mentioned as a possible landing spot. Concepcion has continued his pre-draft preparations, including a visit to the Buffalo Bills, where he spoke about growing up watching the team.
Another notable prospect is a kicker who attended Arizona State University and was born in Puebla, Mexico. He completed 73.3% of his field goal attempts, going 22-for-30 last season, and has declared himself eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft. While his name was not fully specified in the verified sources, his background highlights the growing presence of Latino athletes across different positions in college football.
The increased visibility of Latino players in the 2026 draft reflects broader trends in the sport, where athletes from diverse backgrounds are gaining recognition at the highest levels of college football. Mendoza’s Heisman Trophy win and national championship leadership at Indiana have made him the most prominent Hispanic figure in this year’s draft class, though he emphasizes that he is part of a larger group of talented prospects seeking opportunity in the NFL.
As the draft approaches, teams continue to evaluate prospects through visits, workouts, and interviews. The Raiders’ reported interest in Mendoza aligns with their need for a franchise quarterback after a challenging season. Meanwhile, other franchises are assessing how players like Concepcion and the Arizona State kicker might fit into their offensive and special teams plans.
The 2026 NFL Draft represents not only a pivotal moment for individual athletes striving to reach the professional ranks but also a showcase of the sport’s evolving diversity. With the event set to unfold in Pittsburgh over three days, fans and analysts will monitor how these Latino prospects perform in the selection process and what roles they may eventually play in the league.
The next confirmed checkpoint in the draft process is the commencement of the first round on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, where the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to make their historic selection at No. 1 overall.
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