The 2026 NFL Draft kicked off with the expected selection of Fernando Mendoza by the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1 overall after his stellar season at Indiana, leading them to a national title. However, the night’s biggest surprise came when the Los Angeles Rams chose Ty Simpson, a quarterback from Alabama, at No. 13, despite many analysts predicting him as a second-round pick.

Mendoza celebrated at home in Miami, stating, "The last five months have been such a blessing by God... I’m just looking forward to getting to work, prove it at the next level." He completed an impressive 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions last season.

Simpson, confident in his abilities, remarked on the Rams’ supportive environment:

Absolutely, I am confident... everything was set up to better you for the NFL.

Other notable selections included:

• David Bailey (Texas Tech) to the New York Jets at No. 2.
• Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame) at No. 3 to Arizona.
• Carnell Tate (Ohio State) to Tennessee at No. 4.
• Mansoor Delane (LSU) to the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 6.

The New York Jets made headlines by selecting Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16 and trading for Omar Cooper Jr at No. 30.

Mendoza’s selection marks the fourth consecutive quarterback taken first overall, continuing a recent trend where 10 of the last 12 drafts saw a QB selected as the top pick. Despite this, none have yet won a Super Bowl, although Jared Goff and Joe Burrow have both made appearances.