Raiders’ No 1 pick Fernando Mendoza surprises Cal’s MBA commencement by walking the stage for undergrad degree

Fernando Mendoza, selected by the Las Vegas Raiders as the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, received his undergraduate degree in business administration and management from the University of California, Berkeley on Saturday, walking the stage at the Haas School of Business MBA commencement after missing the undergraduate ceremony earlier that week. Dean Jenny Chatman introduced Mendoza as a surprise addition to the event, telling the crowd he had a valid reason for missing the Wednesday ceremony: he had accepted a new job and could not change his start date.

Mendoza completed his undergraduate degree at Cal’s Haas School of Business while simultaneously enrolled in a master’s program at Indiana University during the 2024-25 academic year. That same season, he led the Indiana Hoosiers to an undefeated record and a national championship under head coach Curt Cignetti, winning the Heisman Trophy along the way. His performance across that campaign established him as the consensus top quarterback prospect heading into the draft, and the Raiders, in need of a long-term answer at the position, selected him first overall.

The graduation appearance came shortly after Mendoza declined to join his former Indiana teammates at a White House ceremony honoring the Hoosiers’ national title, citing his commitment to Raiders rookie activities. President Donald Trump acknowledged the absence during that event, stating that Mendoza had called him personally to explain and that the quarterback could not attend because he had already reported to Las Vegas.

Mendoza now enters a Raiders quarterback room that also includes veteran Kirk Cousins. Head coach Klint Kubiak has indicated that Cousins is expected to start in Week 1, with Mendoza developing behind him before eventually taking over the starting role.