Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced that rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza will begin the regular season on the bench, with veteran Kirk Cousins slated to start under center against the Miami Dolphins on September 13. The decision sidelines the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft for the opening game, marking a rare instance of a top quarterback selection not starting Week 1 that has not occurred since 2018.
The Decision Behind the Benched Top Pick
Kubiak informed media outlets that Cousins, 38, secured the starting role after stringing together a strong training camp performance. Kubiak stated that Cousins “wirklich guten Football gespielt” (played really good football) and earned the nod, while adding that he remains satisfied with all three quarterbacks on the roster. The choice keeps Mendoza, the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, out of the starting lineup for the opener.
Historical Context and Rare Precedent
Holding the top pick following a three-win campaign that finished at the bottom of the AFC West, the Raiders selected Mendoza. However, holding a No. 1 overall quarterback pick out of the Week 1 starting lineup is an uncommon occurrence in the NFL. The last time a team benched its top quarterback draft pick for the season opener was in 2018, when Baker Mayfield began his rookie year on the bench for the Cleveland Browns.
Coaching Turnover and Collegiate Pedigree
The decision arrives amid a period of substantial structural change within the franchise. Following a difficult previous season, the Raiders parted ways with head coach Pete Carroll and brought in Kubiak, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks. Kubiak, whose father Gary previously coached the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos, represents the fifth head coach for Las Vegas since 2021.
Mendoza enters the professional ranks following a historic collegiate run. The young signal-caller led the Indiana Hoosiers through an undefeated campaign to secure the first national championship in the university’s history. His stellar play earned him the Heisman Trophy as the top player in college football, completing 273 of 379 pass attempts for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns against just six interceptions, while adding 276 rushing yards and seven additional scores on 90 carries.
Next Steps and Regular Season Schedule
The Raiders continue their preparations ahead of the opening kickoff on September 13 against the Miami Dolphins, where Cousins will lead the offense on the field while Mendoza stands ready on the sideline.
