There’s no doubt we just witnessed a historic season in college football. The Indiana Hoosiers, a program few believed in, finished with a perfect 16-0 record, including a 27-21 win over the Miami Hurricanes in the national championship game to secure the first title in school history.
Indiana’s season was so surprising that sportsbooks had set their preseason win total at 8.5. They weren’t even viewed as legitimate playoff contenders. Yet, they went on to dominate the Big Ten from start to finish.
The crown jewel of the season wasn’t just the championship – it was the breakout year of quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Against all odds, he won the Heisman Trophy and is widely considered the top quarterback prospect in his draft class. In two months, he’s expected to be the No. 1 overall pick.
The Raiders need weapons – and they might let one slip away
Barring a massive surprise, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick and begin a long-term rebuild after finishing last season with just three wins.
The organization must gradually surround its new quarterback with talent. The current core includes running back Ashton Jeanty, tight end Brock Bowers, and wide receiver Tre Tucker. Still, that may not be enough. Through the Draft and free agency, Las Vegas needs to add more firepower to avoid throwing their rookie quarterback into battle undermanned.
Recently, reports suggested the Raiders could target Omar Cooper Jr. in the second round – Mendoza’s top receiver at Indiana, who posted over 900 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns last season. However, in the latest PFF mock draft by Dalton Wasserman, Las Vegas passes on Cooper at pick No. 32, and he ends up going at No. 35 to the Tennessee Titans to provide another weapon for Cam Ward.
That’s a move the Raiders should think twice about. If they have the opportunity to pair their future franchise quarterback with a proven target he already has chemistry with, letting him slip away could be a costly mistake. Protecting and empowering their new QB must be the top priority from day one.
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