Tom Brady’s stunned reaction to Fernando Mendoza captures Raiders’ growing interest amid early draft talk

Hard Rock Stadium was brimming with energy as Indiana finished a perfect 16-0 season by beating Miami 27-21 in the College Football Playoff National Championship, with Fernando Mendoza owning the night. Fresh off a Heisman Trophy win, he played with exemplary consistency and delivered what was asked of him. What he did not know was that Tom Brady was present, who was transfixed throughout the game.

Late in the fourth quarter, head coach Curt Cignetti passed on a field goal and trusted his quarterback. Mendoza answered with a 12-yard quarterback draw for the game-winning touchdown. While fans celebrated, Brady was incredibly stunned by what he saw, and his reaction shows it all. This moment comes days after the former Patriots QB expressed his admiration for Mendoza.

Why Brady’s public approval may reshape the top of the 2026 NFL Draft

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler posted Tom Brady’s viral ‘stunned’ moment on X, as he summed it up perfectly with a simple caption: “Tom Approves.” Brady has a stake in the Raiders, and his football opinions are rarely casual. Watching from the sideline, the former quarterback praised Mendoza’s leadership and control under pressure.


Earlier this season on Fox NFL Sunday, Brady openly praised Mendoza’s journey from Cal to Indiana, noting how he transformed a program that had struggled for relevance. He described Mendoza as relatable and credited him for lifting everyone around him. Las Vegas owns the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after a rough season.

Geno Smith threw 17 interceptions, and the Raiders are clearly searching for a long-term answer at quarterback. Mendoza now fits that possibility, with forty-one touchdowns in a season. He has already secured major awards, including the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien, a national title, and a Heisman.

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, once considered a rival for the top pick, recently chose to stay in school after being outplayed by Mendoza in the playoff semifinals. That decision shifted the landscape, with Mendoza now standing alone at the top and currently the frontrunner at minus 200 to be selected first overall.


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