ESPN 2026 ROY Predictions: Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza OROY favorite
The Las Vegas Raiders took Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and was regarded, by in large, as the top prospect in this year’s class, but many other incoming rookies landed in favorable situations that prime them to have prolific seasons in 2026. According to ESPN’s Ben Solak, Mendoza is the early favorite to win next year’s OROY award.
As a general rule, quarterbacks who start the majority of the season (and produce) win the award over spectacular seasons from non-quarterbacks. In 2023, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua had excellent rookie seasons, but Nacua's campaign was legitimately record-setting, as his 105 receptions and 1,486 yards were marks for rookie receivers. The yardage record had stood for 63 years before Nacua broke it!
Yet Stroud didn't just win the award. He dominated Nacua, securing 48 of 50 first-place votes. Similarly, in 2019, Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (with modest stats but 16 starts) beat out Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (with great production but only 13 games) for the title. Identifying early-season starters at quarterback is the quickest path to finding Offensive Rookie of the Year favorites.
Mendoza went for 3,535 passing yards and 41 passing touchdowns last season at Indiana, helping lead him to win the Heisman Trophy.
Mendoza is the Raiders’ next franchise quarterback. However, his path to a prolific next season may have a roadblock.
Kirk Cousins ’ presence in Las Vegas has the potential to put Mendoza at a disadvantage, in the event that the Raiders opt to play Cousins as their bridge quarterback in 2026. Nevertheless, Mendoza as the starter in Las Vegas has the potential to outshine his rookie peers next season.
The other incoming rookies that were named as favorites were Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate and Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love. Tate gives the Titans outside receiver that they needed prior to the draft, with the potential to accumulate significant yardage next season, while Love has the talent to rush for 1,000 yards in 2026 for the Cardinals.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: ESPN 2026 ROY Predictions: Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza OROY favorite
