Updated Oct 8, 2026
More: All Thursday Night Football commercials 2026
The State Farm commercial that aired during Thursday Night Football on October 8, 2026 (Buccaneers at Cowboys, Prime Video) shows Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza and Jake from State Farm walking the Las Vegas Strip. Viewers identified it as Mendoza's Vegas spot, which uses an instrumental of "Gangsta's Paradise." It promotes State Farm insurance, pitched as "personal" coverage.
Several viewers posted about the Mendoza spot during the game between about 8:40 and 9:35 p.m. CT. One called it "Mendoza's new Vegas state farm commercial", and others said it was "a good commercial". We have not seen an official airing log for tonight, so the exact cut that ran is based on those viewer reports.
What is the State Farm commercial about?
The spot is called "Vegas Can Change a Man." It plays on Mendoza's move to Las Vegas after the Raiders drafted him first overall in 2026. According to DesignRush, Mendoza walks the Strip with Jake, confuses casino players by calling out "Go Fish!", eats a cookie right after brushing his teeth, and ends by calling his mom.
The joke sets up State Farm's selling point. Life changes, like moving to a new city, change what coverage you need. State Farm marketing chief Kristyn Cook put it this way in the campaign announcement covered by LBB: "When life changes, like moving to a new city, your needs change too."
Who is the actor in the State Farm ad?
The two stars are Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner and the Raiders' No. 1 overall pick, and State Farm's long-running "Jake from State Farm" character. Both are confirmed by DesignRush and LBB. Mendoza said his parents have been State Farm customers for more than 20 years. The same 2026 football campaign also features Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, Cam Skattebo and Indiana coach Curt Cignetti in separate spots, per Sports Business Journal.
What song is in the State Farm commercial?
It's an instrumental version of "Gangsta's Paradise," which plays as the two walk the Strip, according to DesignRush. We have not seen State Farm publish credits for the recording itself.
When did the State Farm Thursday Night Football commercial first air?
It premiered during Thursday Night Football on Sept. 17, 2026, Prime Video's Week 2 game, per DesignRush. It was back on screen during the Week 5 game on Oct 8, 2026, according to viewer posts. State Farm says the campaign includes custom, co-branded creative made for Prime's Thursday Night Football and for CBS.
Where can I watch the State Farm ad?
State Farm shared the spot on its official social channels, and DesignRush embeds the YouTube version in its write-up. Ad trackers like iSpot.tv usually list national spots within a day or two.
Who made the ad?
The creative agency is Highdive. Optimum Sports, STN, Pretzl, Infinity Marketing Team, OMD and FleishmanHillard supported the wider football campaign, according to DesignRush.
What is State Farm, and who owns it?
State Farm is a mutual insurer based in Bloomington, Illinois. A mutual company is owned by its policyholders, not outside shareholders. Jon C. Farney is president and CEO of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, according to a State Farm filing with the SEC. Its best-known products are auto, home, renters and life insurance, sold mostly through local agents.
State Farm has been Amazon's Thursday Night Football halftime partner for four years and counting, according to Amazon Ads' Amy McDevitt, as quoted by LBB.
Does the ad include an offer or price?
No specific price, discount or promo code is described in the coverage of this spot. Insurance rates depend on your state, vehicle, driving record and other factors, so the only way to get a number is a quote.
Is State Farm legit?
Yes. State Farm is one of the largest and best-known U.S. insurers. In 2026 it announced what it called the largest dividend in company history, $5 billion back to auto customers. As with any insurer, compare quotes and check your state insurance department for complaint data before you buy.
Running a small business? Insurance is only one fixed cost. See where to get business funding.
More: All Thursday Night Football commercials 2026
Sources:
- DesignRush: Fernando Mendoza stars in State Farm's 'Vegas' NFL spot (Sept. 17, 2026)
- LBB: Fernando Mendoza joins Jake from State Farm
- Sports Business Journal: Skattebo, Mendoza join Mahomes in State Farm campaign (Aug. 27, 2026)
- SEC: State Farm Mutual directors and executive officers
- State Farm newsroom: $5 billion auto dividend
- Viewer post on X, Oct 8, 2026 (@snowman_sports)
- Viewer post on X, Oct 8, 2026 (@uaintmissinout)
MCAFax is not affiliated with State Farm or the NFL.