Quarterback Fernando Mendoza's obsession with preparation — carrying a notebook since high school — has defined his ascent from a modest recruit to a potential franchise QB for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Mendoza's former coach, Dave Dunn, recalls how the teenage QB would skip lunch to study practice plans in his office. That habit helped Mendoza evolve from a three-star recruit into a Heisman winner and national champion at Indiana in 2025.

Raiders coach Klint Kubiak praises Mendoza's preparation, noting he stands out among young QBs. Quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan highlighted Mendoza's detailed note-taking during OTAs, where he charted every pass play and self-evaluated his performance — traits that build confidence through hard work.

Though currently backing up Kirk Cousins, Mendoza remains committed to growth. He studies film, works with centers, and learns from veterans like Cousins and Tom Brady. His mindset: stay calm ("tranquilo") and treat mistakes as lessons. As fullback Connor Heyward said, Mendoza wants to earn everything — a sign that the Raiders' future is bright.