Kirk Herbstreit Reveals the X-Factor Fernando Mendoza Brings to Raiders

It may not be in 2026, but the Las Vegas Raiders expect big things from No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.

The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback will presumably sit behind veteran starter Kirk Cousins next season. But given Cousins struggles in Atlanta, there's a chance Mendoza could start sometime during his rookie year.

But when Mendoza gets his shot, what can fans expect from him? ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit answered that question during an appearance on the "Pat McAfeee Show" on Tuesday, where he also named the biggest X-factor that Mendoza adds to the Raiders.

"Absolutely [I believe in him]," Herbstreit said. "You know why - because he's going to beat you with his mind. There aren't a whole lot of guys that know the game and understand the game to be able to see pre-snap movement in the NFL, the complexities of half the defense is playing this coverage, the other half is playing this.

"He may need some time; everybody needs time to adjust to the speed of the game, but he is going to be a game-manager, he's going to be a distributor, and his X-factor is I think he moves a lot better than a lot of people want to give him credit for."

It's been a while since the Raiders had a somewhat mobile quarterback.

Fans have to think all the way back to 2013 when Terrelle Pryor started nine games for the team in Oakland to remember the last time the Raiders had a QB mobile enough to evade pressure, escape the pocket, and throw on the run.

In the 12 years after Pryor, Vegas ran through Derek Carr, Matt McGloin, E.J. Manuel, Jarrett Stidham, Aidan O'Connell, Jimmy Garoppolo, Brian Hoyer, Gardner Minshew, Desmond Ridder, Geno Smith, and Kenny Pickett - all of whom weren't known for using their legs.

In his three years in college, Mendoza compiled 473 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns on the ground.

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This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 10:07 PM.