Player Profile: Fernando Mendoza

Indiana Hoosiers’ quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, has taken the world by storm and captured the hearts of many. His talent and personality (both on and off the field) is absolutely magnetic and his gratitude for his family and team have made him a fan-favourite. This article will dive into the story behind the legend himself and examine what drives him forward and motivates him to play the way he does, whilst also considering what the future looks like for a star as bright as him!

(Image credit to people.com)

22 year old Fernando Mendoza just led the Indiana Hoosiers through an unforgettable 2025 season, with the team finishing with a perfect 16-0 record. Mendoza had the highlight touchdown of the final game against the Hurricanes, running into the end zone on a fourth-and-4 play at the Hurricanes 12-yard line, diving through the Miami defence to score and make it a 24-14 game in the 4th quarter. 

After not being recruited by his hometown team, the Miami Hurricanes, Mendoza won the national championship against them in his hometown. He earned Offensive MVP honours after completing 16 of 27 passes (59%) for 186 yards. 

When discussing this win in a post-game interview, Mendoza stated “I would die for my team.” It is this loyalty and dedication for his team that has caught the attention of many fans, and is part of the reason he is such a likeable personality - on and off the field! He even had the stadium crowd singing “Fernando” by ABBA at the top of their lungs in support of the young quarterback. Mendoza also became the eighth Heisman winner to win a CFP or BCS national championship; one of the very many records he has broken and certainly not the last.

Fernando Mendoza has an extremely close connection with his family, even saying “my family’s unconditional love and belief kept me going and pushed me forward. These are the people who built me long before football did.”

His mother, Elsa Mendoza has described herself as her son’s “first teammate” and has referred to Fernando as a “gentle giant.” She has opened up about her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis (MS) 18 years ago, and how it has impacted her life and the life of her family. She is often seen at her son’s games and events in a wheelchair. Fernando Mendoza dedicated his Heisman Trophy to his mother saying “this is your trophy as much as it is mine. You’re my light. You’re my why.” Both Fernando and his younger brother Alberto have dedicated time and money to raise awareness for MS, including specialty menu items at various eateries, as they aim to develop a meaningful fundraising campaign which mixes family, food and football. An example is the “Mendoza Bros Burger” - a Cuban-inspired collaboration between Fernando, Alberto, and Bloomington restaurant owner Ed Schwartzman. The partnership aims to raise money for multiple sclerosis research. 

Fernando Mendoza takes his name from his father, Dr Fernando Mendoza, who is often seen at Hoosiers games, and has garnered attention for his choice to stay seated whilst celebrating during the game. He has explained that this is a purposeful decision to support both his son and his wife, who is often next to him in her wheelchair, due to her limited mobility. Dr Mendoza sits next to her and celebrates his son's achievements alongside his wife, warming the hearts of the nation. 

Mendoza is also the predicted number one pick for the 2026 NFL draft which would be a massive step in his career, allowing him to showcase his natural talent on an even wider stage. Many NFL mock drafts have the Las Vegas Raiders selecting Mendoza as their number one pick, replacing their current QB1, Geno Smith. Smith has a two-year, $75 million contract which does complicate the offseason decision, however, Las Vegas have an out after the 2026 season that would allow them to release Smith without taking a dead cap hit. 

Dane Brugler of The Athletic stated that “The Raiders have drafted a quarterback in the first round four times during the Super Bowl era”, thus highlighting the likelihood that Mendoza will be joining the NFL very soon. It’s safe to say that as the draft gets closer and closer, fans all over the world will be rooting for the Miami raised, Hoosiers’ quarterback with a heart of gold. Fernando Mendoza has the talent and skill of an NFL quarterback and also has a beautiful and optimistic spirit that is sure to make next season a special one.

Article written by Milla Sinfield