The efficiency of the Hoosiers quarterback in the College Football Playoff shows on a national scale what he's done all season. And in a different era, why he earned the Heisman.

Cignetti's arrival, coupled with his aggressive transfer portal approach, made Indiana an overnight contender, and his greatest transfer success story is quarterback Fernando Mendoza. In his lone season in Bloomington, Mendoza earned the Heisman Trophy and became a projected top-five NFL Draft pick, something few anticipated before the year began.

Fernando Mendoza leads Indiana into the Peach Bowl against Oregon with a College Football Playoff championship game berth on the line.

Joel Klatt compared QB Fernando Mendoza and Indiana to the New England Patriots' recent dynasty after their semifinal round win.

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has added another dominant win to his resume ahead of the 2026 NFL draft.

Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza has made headlines for his work on and off the field. Not only has 22-year-old Fernando led the Hoosiers football team to a landmark season in 2025, earning the school their first Big Ten Championship since 1967,