Fernando Mendoza
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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 19: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers looks on prior to a game against the Miami Hurricanes in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
In just over two weeks, the Las Vegas Raiders will draft Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Heisman Trophy winner and national champion will become the new face of the Raiders’ franchise, with all the hopes and expectations that come with that position.
But Mendoza isn’t waiting until he’s drafted to start making career moves. He’s already working to establish himself independently from the Raiders and secure his future, even as he prepares to walk across the stage and be the first to hug Roger Goodell on April 23.
A transfer from California, Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns to six interceptions in 2025, completing 72.0-percent of his passes. He added 276 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground as well.
The Las Vegas Raiders Get Big Fernando Mendoza Career Update
Fernando Mendoza
GettyMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 19: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts as he celebrates after defeating Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Trademark attorney Josh Gerben had an interesting report on his blog, detailing Mendoza’s big recent career move. Mendoza filed a pair of trademarks surrounding his name: “Fernando Mendoza” and “Mendoza” — according to Gerben, both trademarks are for single products labeled as “athletic apparel.”
“Mendoza’s move follows a similar strategy by [Bears] quarterback Caleb Williams, who recently filed trademark applications tied to his nickname, ‘Iceman,'” Gerben wrote. “Unlike Williams’ filings, which center on a nickname (and have drawn some controversy), Mendoza’s applications focus squarely on his given name. This is a type of filing that is generally more straightforward from a trademark perspective.”
“Still, the filings reflect a broader shift in the business of sports,” Gerben continued. “Where trademark protection was once an afterthought reserved for established professionals, it is now becoming routine for elite prospects even before they hear their names called on draft night.”
“If approved and ultimately registered, Mendoza’s trademarks would provide him with a ‘presumption of nationwide ownership’ over the marks in connection with the listed goods. That status carries practical and legal advantages. In a dispute, a federal registration can strengthen a trademark owner’s position in court, reducing the burden of proving ownership and increasing the damages available.”
“It also expands enforcement tools beyond the courtroom. Online marketplaces and social media platforms, including Amazon, Etsy, and others, often give preferential treatment to trademark holders when responding to infringement claims, making it easier to remove unauthorized merchandise.”
What Else Could the Las Vegas Raiders Do in the Draft?
With Mendoza all but officially the No. 1 overall pick, attention turns to what the Raiders could do later in the draft. They pick again at No. 36, the fourth pick in the second round, and they could add another key piece to their offense to support Mendoza.
Wide receiver is a natural pivot to make there, and one of Washington’s Denzel Boston, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, and N.C. State’s KC Concepcion could still be on the board. If not, perhaps offensive line is the move: Oregon G Emmanuel Pregnon, Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor, and Clemson OT Blake Miller are all projected to go in that range.