Michael Canelo

Joined: May 21, 2024

Michael Canel is a breaking news beat writer for various team sites across the On SI platform, focusing on both college and professional sports. A graduate of Fresno State University, he has transformed his passion for sports into a career, covering the latest breaking news with years of expertise and the enthusiasm of a devoted fan.

Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (center) poses with jersey at introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center flanked by general manager John Spytek (left) and head coach Klint Kubiak after being selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Feb 10, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak speaks at introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak at press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

May 2, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) runs through a drill during a Rookie Minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the real deal. Whether he will be the starting next season is the question.

The Raiders organization has put itself in a position to be good going forward, but the results must be there.

May 2, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) speaks during a news conference at the team’s Rookie Minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback is looking to prove himself and gain the respect of his new teammates.

The Las Vegas Raiders will get challenge next season with their schedule.

Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field prior to a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Las Vegas Raiders star defensive player Maxx Crosby speaks on the defense going into next season.

Jul 9, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes speaks with the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders got one of the best defensive players in the 2026 NFL Draft Class.

Jan 5, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (left) and wife Rachel Washburn attend the game between the Golden State Warriors and the LA Clippers at the Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby advises all the new rookies in the National Football League.

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders have had a great offseason. It has one analyst saying the Raiders are a playoff team.

Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the Festival of Football at the Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

One former first overall pick gives Fernando Mendoza advice on being picked in that spot.

Jul 28, 2021; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) are pictured during a team practice at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center in Henderson. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr speaks on what makes Maxx Crosby special.

Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (right) and general manager John Spytek at introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center after being selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek on when he was sold on drafting Fernando Mendoza at No. 1.

Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek speaks on the newest members of the Raiders organization. This 2026 NFL Draft was a success all around for the Silver and Black.

Michael Canelo

Joined: May 21, 2024

Why Mendoza Well-Positioned for Success in Las Vegas

Raiders' Fernando Mendoza Invited to Signature NFL Event

Why Raiders Roster Is Built To Compete in 2026

Kubiak Knows Challenge of Raiders' Tough 2026 Schedule

'Too Good To Be True.' Storylines Around Raiders' Mendoza

Raiders' Young Core Will Need To Show Eventual Results

Fernando Mendoza Has To Gain Respect From Raiders

Raiders 2026 Schedule Will Present Challenges

Maxx Crosby Comments on Raiders Defense Post Draft

Raiders Rookie Stukes Receiving Heavy Praise

Crosby Gives Crucial Advice to Incoming Raiders Rookies

Raiders Garnering Hype After Stellar Defensive Draft

Former First Overall Pick Gives Newest Raider Mendoza Key Advice

Former Raider Carr Speaks on What Makes Maxx Crosby Different

The Moment Raiders GM Spytek Was Sold on Fernando Mendoza

Spytek Opens Up on the Raiders' New Additions