Fernando Mendoza, the dude who just snagged the 2025 Heisman Trophy and went #1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, is officially the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders. You know what that means for our beloved Seahawks? We get to welcome the rookie hotshot to the big leagues with our elite defense, per ESPN, and I’m hyped to see it!
The Kid From Indiana Is Here
This whole situation blew up after the Minnesota Vikings dealt for veteran Kirk Cousins in the hours before the 2026 NFL trade deadline, clearing the path for Mendoza to take over. This 23-year-old, 6-foot-5 signal-caller was an absolute monster in college with the Indiana Hoosiers. He led them to their first-ever national championship and dominated the FBS with 41 passing touchdowns against only six interceptions, racking up 3,535 passing yards to earn that Heisman, pulling in a massive 643 first-place votes. That’s why the Raiders picked him first overall, no doubt.
Now, he hasn’t exactly lit up the NFL yet. Mendoza has barely seen the field this season for Vegas, appearing in just one game back in Week 5. That was a rough 45-17 loss to the New England Patriots, and he didn’t even start. He came in later, completing six of eight passes for 48 yards and rushing for another three. So, yeah, this is his real debut as *the guy*, replacing Cousins, who had 2,340 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, eight picks, and a 97.1 passer rating this season. Big shoes to fill, but also, a massive opportunity for the kid.
Our D Is Just The Start of His Gauntlet
Mendoza is taking over a Raiders team that’s currently sitting at 4-5, third in the AFC West. And let me tell you, his welcoming committee is no joke. The rookie and his Raiders will face *two elite defenses* over their next two games: our Seattle Seahawks, and then the Denver Broncos. It’s like the league said, “Let’s see what you’ve got, hotshot!”
Looking ahead, Mendoza’s schedule is a mix. Beyond us and the Broncos (who he’ll face twice, by the way), he’s also got the Cleveland Browns (5-4), Los Angeles Chargers (0-8), Tennessee Titans (1-7), and Arizona Cardinals (3-6) before wrapping up the season against the Kansas City Chiefs. The source says there’s a “soft underbelly” to that schedule later on, which could help him get acclimated. But first, he has to get through us.
This is a massive moment for Mendoza, but it’s an even bigger chance for our Seahawks defense to show the entire league what we’re made of. Can we rattle the Heisman winner? Can we shut down the #1 overall pick and remind everyone why our D is a force to be reckoned with? You bet your blue and green we can. Get ready, 12s, it’s going to be a show.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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