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Tag: Fernando Mendoza

  • Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is clear: He’d be thrilled to be a Las Vegas Raider

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    This is not the next James Bond. Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza was in Ft. Worth on Monday night to accept the 2025 Davey O’ Brien award.

    This is not the next James Bond. Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza was in Ft. Worth on Monday night to accept the 2025 Davey O’ Brien award.


    Mac Engel

    Fort Worth Star-Telegram

    FORT WORTH

    The most charming and endearing player in college football, who routinely praises God and boasts an endearing LinkedIn profile, could soon be headed to Sin City, a place that celebrates, “What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas.”

    Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza is, at least right now, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, owned by the Las Vegas Raiders. The place where coaching and playing careers go to die.

    “I’d be blessed to play for the Raiders. I’d be blessed to play for any NFL team that drafts me,” Mendoza said Monday afternoon. “I’d be ecstatic. I know I’ll probably shed a tear to just because it’s such a full circle moment; my whole goal, even the goal of transferring to Indiana, was to make the NFL. It wasn’t to be a great college player. It was to try to develop and be an NFL quarterback one day.”

    That day is coming.

    Rather than create any potential thought that he’d rather not play for the Raiders with some vague generalities, the Heisman Trophy winner and college football’s top choir boy made it clear he just wants to play in the NFL, whether that’s with the Raiders, Jets, Cardinals, et al.

    Mendoza was in Fort Worth on Monday night to accept the Davey O’ Brien trophy, given annually to the nation’s top college quarterback. He chatted with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and Associated Press before the ceremony, and confirmed that his personality is not scripted.

    Fernando Mendoza is no longer off social media

    Other than a YouTube and LinkedIn account, Mendoza did his best to stay away from TikTok, Instagram, X, or the rest of the social media apps that waste our lives during the season. Now that the season is over, he’s smart enough to recognize the opportunity that comes when you lead Indiana University to the national title in football.

    He has 1 million Instagram followers.

    Had he been on any of those apps during the 2025 season, he would have been floored by the national reaction to his post game interviews that are so bubbly, upbeat, positive, effervescent that they don’t seem possible. Or, at worst, more like an act.

    One of Mendoza’s tasks during the pre-draft process is to convince NFL teams this is not shtick.

    “There’s a lot of narratives, and I’m very blessed at the narratives where, “Hey, this guy’s a great guy, and he’s God-fearing, and he’s very team oriented,’ and those are messages I always try to convey,” he said. “That’s just who I am. There’s authenticity, especially sometimes the post-game interviews that I show my passion and willingness for my teammates and for the program that comes out; people may think, ‘Maybe it’s not real.’

    “Or, some people think, ‘Wow, this is what true authenticity looks like.’ And I would just try to be my authentic self. I believe that people can sniff out fake.”

    When he was on the stage after IU defeated Miami to win the national title, he made a calculated decision that was decidedly not the Fernando Mendoza we had seen throughout the entire year. During the post-game interview on TV, he dropped the ‘F’ word. He knew what he was doing.

    “Instead of ‘flipping’ I said (that word) because, contrary to public opinion, it’s not like I never curse,” he said. “I’m a man. I fall into sin. I don’t try to curse. It’s not nice, especially with television. And it’s a habit that I try to take off. But I’ve cursed before. So I try to show my true self in that aspect.

    “My true self is not, not cursing, but I also try to show people that I’m relatable, and I could be a normal person.”

    If this is an all act, give the man an Academy Award, too.

    Fernando Mendoza’s legacy is secure and far from complete

    Mendoza could never play another down of football, and he had a career most never do. He’s earned his degree from the University of California. He won the Heisman Trophy, Davey O’ Brien Award, Maxwell Award, and led IU to a national title.

    Is it enough?

    “Yes, and no,” he said. “I’m highly blessed and highly favored that God’s put me in this position; as a two-star recruit who literally signed a blank piece of paper because there’s no scholarship for Ivy Leagues, and it’s going to go to the bank to take out a $320,000 loan and put myself in a student debt to just go play football at Yale. That’s how much I love football.

    “Last minute, the 11th hour, Cal came calling, which is just a great blessing. So with that, yes, I would be happy. However, now I’m always driving for more. The college is great., but that part’s behind me and there’s going to be parts to reflect on that.

    “I feel like I’ve been satisfied with my college career. However, now I’m on to the NFL career, (it) requires new skills; it’s a grown man’s league. That’s what I want to play against.”

    He will here shortly, and whatever team drafts him — the Raiders, Jets, Cardinals or anyone else — believe it when he says he’s excited. It’s not an act.

    Mac Engel

    Fort Worth Star-Telegram

    Mac Engel is an award-winning columnist who has covered sports since the dawn of man; Cowboys, TCU, Stars, Rangers, Mavericks, etc. Olympics. Movies. Concerts. Books. He combines dry wit with 1st-person reporting to complement an annoying personality.
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    Mac Engel

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  • Indiana completes undefeated season and wins first national title, beating Miami in CFP final

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    Fernando Mendoza bulldozed his way into the end zone, and Indiana bullied its way into the history books Monday night, toppling Miami 27-21 to put the finishing touch on a rags-to-riches story, an undefeated season, and the national title.Related video above: Assembly Hall on Indiana University’s campus for the school’s watch partyThe Heisman Trophy winner finished with 186 yards passing, but it was his tackle-breaking, sprawled-out 12-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-4 with 9:18 left that defined this game — and the Hoosiers’ season.Indiana would not be denied.Mendoza’s TD gave turnaround artist Curt Cignetti’s team a 10-point lead — barely enough breathing room to hold off a frenzied charge by the hard-hitting Hurricanes, who bloodied Mendoza’s lip early, then came to life late behind 112 yards and two scores from Mark Fletcher but never took the lead.The College Football Playoff trophy now heads to the most unlikely of places: Bloomington, Indiana — a campus that endured a nation-leading 713 losses over 130-plus years of football before Cignetti arrived two years ago to embark on a revival for the ages.Indiana finished 16-0 — using the extra games afforded by the expanded 12-team playoff to match a perfect-season win total last compiled by Yale in 1894.In a bit of symmetry, this undefeated title comes 50 years after Bob Knight’s basketball team went 32-0 to win it all in that state’s favorite sport.Players like Mendoza — a transfer from Cal who grew up just a few miles away from Miami’s campus, “The U” — certainly don’t come around often.Two fourth-down gambles by Cignetti in the fourth quarter, after Fletcher’s second touchdown carved the Hurricanes’ deficit to three, put Mendoza in position to shine.The first was a 19-yard-completion to Charlie Becker on a back-shoulder fade those guys have been perfecting all season. Four plays later came a decision and play that wins championships.Cignetti sent his kicker out on fourth-and-4 from the 12, but quickly called his second timeout. The team huddled on the field, and the coach drew up a quarterback draw.Mendoza, not known as a run-first guy, slipped one tackle, then took a hit and spun around. He kept his feet, then left them, going horizontal and stretching the ball out — a ready-made poster pic for a title run straight from the movies.

    MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. —

    Fernando Mendoza bulldozed his way into the end zone, and Indiana bullied its way into the history books Monday night, toppling Miami 27-21 to put the finishing touch on a rags-to-riches story, an undefeated season, and the national title.

    Related video above: Assembly Hall on Indiana University’s campus for the school’s watch party

    The Heisman Trophy winner finished with 186 yards passing, but it was his tackle-breaking, sprawled-out 12-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-4 with 9:18 left that defined this game — and the Hoosiers’ season.

    Indiana would not be denied.

    Mendoza’s TD gave turnaround artist Curt Cignetti’s team a 10-point lead — barely enough breathing room to hold off a frenzied charge by the hard-hitting Hurricanes, who bloodied Mendoza’s lip early, then came to life late behind 112 yards and two scores from Mark Fletcher but never took the lead.

    The College Football Playoff trophy now heads to the most unlikely of places: Bloomington, Indiana — a campus that endured a nation-leading 713 losses over 130-plus years of football before Cignetti arrived two years ago to embark on a revival for the ages.

    Indiana finished 16-0 — using the extra games afforded by the expanded 12-team playoff to match a perfect-season win total last compiled by Yale in 1894.

    In a bit of symmetry, this undefeated title comes 50 years after Bob Knight’s basketball team went 32-0 to win it all in that state’s favorite sport.

    Players like Mendoza — a transfer from Cal who grew up just a few miles away from Miami’s campus, “The U” — certainly don’t come around often.

    Two fourth-down gambles by Cignetti in the fourth quarter, after Fletcher’s second touchdown carved the Hurricanes’ deficit to three, put Mendoza in position to shine.

    The first was a 19-yard-completion to Charlie Becker on a back-shoulder fade those guys have been perfecting all season. Four plays later came a decision and play that wins championships.

    Cignetti sent his kicker out on fourth-and-4 from the 12, but quickly called his second timeout. The team huddled on the field, and the coach drew up a quarterback draw.

    Mendoza, not known as a run-first guy, slipped one tackle, then took a hit and spun around. He kept his feet, then left them, going horizontal and stretching the ball out — a ready-made poster pic for a title run straight from the movies.

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  • Indiana Hoosiers book ticket to Miami for CFB National Championship

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    Hoosiers filled the stands at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday night. They will have to book their flights to Miami next. The College Football National Championship Game will take place on Monday, January 19, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice

    Indiana University is a football school.

    The Hoosiers, head football coach Curt Cignetti, and his staff are on their way to South Florida and a date with the Miami Hurricanes. The winner gets a national championship. The College Football National Championship Game will take place on Monday, January 19, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

    The Hoosiers dominated their College Football Playoff semifinal matchup with the Oregon Ducks in Atlanta on Friday night. Final score: 56-22.

    The Indiana Hoosiers football program has qualified for its first National Championship game. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    “It’s a great win against a good football team,” Hoosiers head football coach Curt Cignetti said after the game.

    The Oregon Ducks finished the season 13-2. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    The two Big Ten programs had played before. In fact, they played a couple of months ago in a game that Indiana won 30-20 in Eugene, Oregon, on October 11. In Atlanta, just like they did in the Pacific Northwest, the Hoosiers got off to a strong start. Defensive back D’Angelo Ponds intercepted Oregon quarterback Dante Moore’s first passing attempt of the game and returned it for the game’s first touchdown of the game. The roar from the pro-Indiana crowd in the stadium could be heard all the way on Peachtree Street. This game felt like an Indiana Hoosiers home game well before kickoff. 

    Oregon head football coach Dan Lanning credited the Hoosiers for playing a complete game. “They have a great chance of keeping it going and having great success,” Lanning said.

    Moore only had nine interceptions to 28 passing touchdowns coming into the game. Now three of his 10 interceptions have come against Indiana. Moore had two in the loss to the Hoosiers earlier this season. 

    The Ducks did not have their prayers answered on this night. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice

    Oregon’s second offensive drive ended better than its first when a 14-play drive that included a fourth-down conversion deep in Indiana territory ended with a Moore to Jamari Johnson touchdown. The successful extra point tied the game with 7:11 remaining in the first quarter. Indiana’s defense had only allowed Oregon to score seven points during the first quarter of their first matchup, so the Ducks were already ahead of pace. 

    Indiana defensive back Louis Moore (7) and the Hoosier defense held their own on Friday night in Atlanta.
    Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice

    The Hoosiers finally got a chance to touch the football midway through the first quarter and wasted no time going 75 yards on 11 plays to regain the lead, 14-7. Running back Roman Hemby had two long carries before Heisman trophy winner Fernando Mendoza found receiver Omar Cooper, Jr. in the left corner of the end zone for Indiana’s second touchdown of the first quarter. 

    The second quarter saw both defenses sure up a bit. The teams exchanged third-quarter sacks early on and forced each other to punt. Oregon outside linebacker Nasir Wyatt sacked Mendoza for a 19-yard loss. Following the sack and a punt, Indiana defensive lineman Mario Landino recovered a Moore self-inflicted fumble on his own three-yard line to shift the momentum back to Indiana. The Hoosiers would quickly lead by 14 points, 21-7, as Kaelon Black scored his first touchdown of the game. 

    Indiana sure-handed receiver Elijah Sarratt (13) was a go-to guy for Mendoza the entire game.
    Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice

    Mendoza to receiver Elijah Sarratt was a common theme during this game. Time after time, Mendoza, more than likely the first quarterback drafted in June, found Sarratt for first downs. With just under five minutes remaining in the first half, the two players hooked up again for another one. On the very next play, Mendoza found receiver Charlie Becker for a touchdown. The four-play, 61-yard drive made the score 28-7 with 3:13 remaining in the first half. Becker was the third Hoosier offensive player to score a touchdown. 

    Indiana is a complete football team. Hoosier defensive lineman Daniel Ndukwe or Landino could arguably be considered the MVP of the first half. Neither player scored a point, but both wreaked havoc in their own right. Ndukwe had two sacks, and Landino recovered two fumbles. Indiana’s defense held Oregon to nine rushing yards and 121 overall yards during the first half. Ndukwe would go on to block an Oregon punt in the fourth quarter as well.

    The first half ended with Indiana scoring again. This time, Mendoza found Sarratt for a touchdown, his first of the game, and the Hoosiers’ fifth, 35-7.

    Indiana quarterback and 2025 Heisman trophy winner Fernando Mendoza (15) fumbled at the end of this run. It was one of the rare mistakes he would make during a spectacular Peach Bowl performance. Photo by Tabious McCoy/The Atlanta Voice

    Mendoza finally made a mistake. It came in the opening drive of the second half, when he fumbled at the end of a long quarterback-keeper. The problem for Oregon was that Pat Coogan, the decorated offensive lineman for Indiana, recovered it. Mendoza made up for the fumble with a touchdown pass to E.J. Williams, Jr. that put the Hoosiers ahead 42-7 at the nine-minute mark. 

    Oregon found its way back to the end zone to make the score 42-15. That Duck touchdown was the only scoring drive of the third quarter. Indiana would add another touchdown from the Ducks’ three-yard line to go ahead 49-15 following that blocked punt by Ndukwe. Mendoza found Sarratt again for his second touchdown catch of the game.

    Brady joined Sarrett, scoring his second touchdown of the game with five minutes to play. Indiana was up 56-15 with 4:51 to play in the game.

    Oregon tight end Roger Saleapaga scored the Ducks’ final touchdown of the game. He caught a short pass from Moore.

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    Donnell Suggs

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