Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza receives Cal undergraduate degree at MBA ceremony
Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza receives Cal undergraduate degree at MBA ceremony
Fernando Mendoza, the Las Vegas Raiders’ first overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, walked across the stage at the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business MBA commencement on Saturday to collect his undergraduate degree in business administration and management.
Mendoza had missed the university’s undergraduate ceremony earlier in the week while preparing for his professional career. Haas dean Jenny Chatman announced the surprise appearance during the MBA event, noting that Mendoza had completed the degree while enrolled in a master’s program at Indiana University.
The quarterback led Indiana to an undefeated national championship season in 2025 under head coach Curt Cignetti before joining the Raiders. Veteran Kirk Cousins remains on the team’s quarterback depth chart, and new head coach Klint Kubiak has indicated that Cousins is expected to start Week 1 while Mendoza develops behind him.
Mendoza declined an invitation to attend a White House ceremony with his former Indiana teammates, citing his obligations with the Raiders. President Donald Trump stated that Mendoza had called to explain his absence.
