Long before the NFL Draft clock starts ticking in April, big decisions are already being shaped on college sidelines.
That reality was on full display Monday night when Tom Brady quietly positioned himself near the action, eyes locked on a quarterback who could soon redefine the Las Vegas Raiders’ future.
Tom Brady and Mark Davis Scout Their Possible Franchise Star
The seven-time Super Bowl champion was spotted at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami alongside Raiders owner Mark Davis, both closely observing Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza during the College Football Playoff final.
The Hoosiers were set to battle the hometown Hurricanes, and the stakes were high for more than just a national title.
For Brady and Davis, this wasn’t casual spectating.
It was a firsthand look at a player widely expected to become the Raiders’ No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Fernando Mendoza Emerges as the Clear No. 1 Pick Favorite
Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, has separated himself from the pack as the top prospect in college football.
League insiders see him as the overwhelming favorite to be selected first overall, with the Raiders holding that coveted pick.
Given how last season unfolded in Las Vegas, the logic is hard to ignore.
A Brutal Season Leaves the Raiders in Full Rebuild Mode
The Raiders limped through a miserable 3–14 campaign, finishing dead last in the NFL standings.
The fallout was swift and decisive, with head coach Pete Carroll shown the door as the organization pressed the reset button.
Now, with a roster overhaul looming and leadership questions still unresolved, the Raiders are searching for a new identity — and potentially a new face of the franchise.
Mendoza’s Rise Captures Fans and Executives Alike
Mendoza looks tailor-made for that role.
He guided Indiana to the brink of a national championship with a season that blended poise, power, and consistency.
Along the way, he didn’t just win games — he won over fans.
His confident on-field performances and charismatic television interviews have made him one of the most recognizable figures in college football this year.
Viral Interviews Add to Mendoza’s Growing Legend
Following Indiana’s Peach Bowl win over Oregon, Mendoza once again stole the spotlight with a heartfelt post-game interview that quickly gained traction online.
“First of all, I want to give all glory to God,” he said on ESPN.
“The man up above did so much for us today, and it helped myself and our entire team play at such a high level.”
Moments like these have only strengthened his appeal, both as a leader and as a marketable star.
A Homecoming Moment on College Football’s Biggest Stage
Monday’s championship game carried extra meaning for Mendoza, who attended high school in Miami.
Returning to the city for the playoff final felt personal.
“It’s a homecoming for myself,” he said ahead of the game.
“The Hurricanes are a fantastic team. They have great leadership and they’re extremely tough on defense. It’s going to be a great matchup.”
Coaching Decisions Still Loom Large in Las Vegas
While Brady and Davis evaluate their potential quarterback of the future, the Raiders’ front office remains deep in the process of hiring a new head coach.
Since Carroll’s dismissal, seven candidates have already been interviewed, including former head coaches Vance Joseph and Matt Nagy.
Most recently, the team met with defensive coordinators Jesse Minter of the Los Angeles Chargers and Ejiro Evero of the Carolina Panthers, signaling that all options remain on the table.
What Comes Next for the Raiders?
Between a franchise-altering draft pick and a critical coaching hire, the Raiders are entering one of the most important offseasons in their history.
If Fernando Mendoza does land in Las Vegas, the night Brady and Davis watched him under the Miami lights may be remembered as the moment the rebuild truly began.
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