Raiders will pay close attention to Friday's Mendoza-Moore showdown

The Las Vegas Raiders own the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NFL draft. One of the most important events of the pre-draft process for the Raiders will occur on Friday. Top quarterback prospects Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore will square off in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Peach Bowl.

The Raiders are expected to target a quarterback at No. 1 overall. The pre-draft process features a number of events that will help the Raiders hone in on their preferred prospect. Friday's head-to-head showdown represents a rare opportunity to evaluate both options in a shared competitive environment.

Technically, Mendoza and Moore have remaining eligibility to return to school next year. It's essentially a foregone conclusion Mendoza will be declaring for the draft after winning this year's Heisman Trophy. Things are far less certain for Moore, who could make his decision based on his performance.

Indiana-Oregon already squared off earlier this campaign. Mendoza won that battle, going 20-of-31 with 215 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a 30-20 Hoosiers victory. Moore threw for under 200 yards and two interceptions in the defeat.

The Raiders will conduct a thorough process. Which quarterback they select at No. 1 overall will have undergone various evaluations. Make no mistake, how Mendoza and Moore perform in a head-to-head showdown with a National Championship appearance on the line will make a difference.