The Las Vegas Raiders managed to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft during Week 18, allowing the franchise to end its multi-year search for a long-term quarterback. That makes the top two prospects at the position, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore, the favorites to land in Las Vegas this April.
With the Hooisers and Ducks facing off in the Peach Bowl during the College Football Playoffs this Friday, the Raiders have a unique opportunity to get a side-by-side comparison of the top passers in this year’s draft class. So, Silver and Black Pride will host an open discussion for Raider Nation to talk with other fans about the game/Mendoza’s and Moore’s performance. The conversation will be held on The FEED via a post that will go up about an hour before game time.
Granted, this isn’t the first time the two quarterbacks will face off. They met earlier this season on Oct. 11, when then-ranked No. 7 Indiana pulled off a 30-20 upset on the road over then-ranked No. 3 Oregon. Mendoza completed 20 of 31 pass attempts for 215 yards, a touchdown and one interception, while Moore went 21 for 34 with 186 passing yards, one touchdown and two picks. Mendoza also added 31 rushing yards on six carries to his stat line.
That ended up propelling the Hooisers to an undefeated regular season, a Big Ten Championship and a win in the Rose Bowl during their first playoff game. Meanwhile, the previous matchup is the only blemish on the Ducks’ record, winning convincingly during their first two postseason contests.
So, the stage is set for Mendoza and Moore to go head-to-head once more before the pre-draft process really ramps up, and the winner will get another opportunity to show the NFL what they can do during the National Championship on Jan. 19.
The Peach Bowl kicks off at 4:30 p.m. on Friday and will air on ESPN. Come join me on The FEED and I look forward to talking some ball with y’all!
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