Scott Gulbransen
Sports Illustrated has released its rankings for the coach-quarterback pairings in 2026, with the Las Vegas Raiders positioned at the 28th spot.
Matt Verderame placed Klint Kubiak and Fernando Mendoza towards the lower end, citing their lack of prior collaboration at the professional level as the primary reason for their ranking. While this reasoning holds merit, the rankings become more contentious when considering the duos placed ahead of them.
Comparing Mendoza/Kubiak Duo to Others Falls Flat
Verderame ranked the Raiders below other pairings such as Dave Canales and Bryce Young in Carolina, Robert Saleh and Cam Ward in Tennessee, and Kevin Stefanski and Michael Penix Jr. in Atlanta. When comparing these duos to the one in Las Vegas, the disparity seems less clear-cut on paper, especially when factoring in the supporting cast surrounding the quarterback.
Mendoza enters a situation with promising assets like Brock Bowers at tight end, Ashton Jeanty in the backfield, and an improved offensive line. Additionally, Kubiak’s success running an offense in Seattle, which boasted top-tier statistics, adds weight to the potential of the Raiders’ duo. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that these projections are based on anticipated performance, as Mendoza and Kubiak are untested in their current roles.
While the skepticism around their ranking is understandable given the lack of NFL experience, the Raiders’ duo presents significant upside when viewed through a forward-looking lens. Kubiak’s history with successful offensive schemes, coupled with Mendoza’s skill set and the team’s surrounding talent, suggest a higher ceiling than their current ranking implies.
Early Projections are Just That — Projections
Ultimately, the ranking serves as a benchmark rather than a definitive judgment. The Raiders will need to validate their potential on the field and overcome a challenging schedule to surpass the 28th position. Embracing this ranking as motivation rather than a final assessment will be key for Las Vegas as they aim to exceed expectations in the upcoming season.
