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Fernando Mendoza

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Fernando Mendoza
Mendoza with the Indiana Hoosiers in 2026
No. 15 – Las Vegas Raiders
PositionQuarterback
Roster statusUnsigned draft pick
Personal information
Born (2003-10-01) October 1, 2003 (age 22)
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Listed weight225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High schoolChristopher Columbus (Miami, Florida)
College
NFL draft2026: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Career history
Awards and highlights
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Fernando Gabriel Mendoza V (born October 1, 2003) is an American professional football quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the California Golden Bears before transferring to the Indiana Hoosiers in 2025, where he won the Heisman Trophy en route to a national championship. He was selected by the Raiders first overall in the 2026 NFL draft.

Early life

[edit]

Fernando Gabriel Mendoza V was born on October 1, 2003, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Elsa Espino and Fernando G. Mendoza IV, who was completing his medical residency at the time.[1] He has two younger brothers, Alberto and Maximo.[2] His family of Cuban descent; all four of his grandparents were born and raised in Cuba before emigrating to Miami, Florida in 1960 following the Cuban Revolution.[3] Through his family lineage, Mendoza is a descendant of Don Antonio Ysidoro González de Mendoza Bonilla (1828–1906), a prominent lawyer of Spanish descent who served as the first president of the Supreme Court of Cuba.[4][5][6]

Mendoza was raised in Miami and attended Christopher Columbus High School in the Miami-Dade County community of Westchester.[7][8][9] Growing up, he considered Tom Brady to be his football idol.[10] As his high school team's starting quarterback across two seasons, Mendoza completed 133 of 203 pass attempts for 1,396 yards and 16 touchdowns with four interceptions, while also rushing for 137 yards and a touchdown on the ground.[11] During his senior year in 2021, he led Columbus to an 11–3 record and a berth in the state semifinals against Venice High School in the FHSAA Class 8A football playoffs.[11][12]

Mendoza originally committed to play college football at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. However, after Justyn Martin, who had verbally committed to University of California, Berkeley (California), instead signed with UCLA,[1] Mendoza signed with California.[13]

College career

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California

[edit]

Mendoza redshirted during the 2022 season.[14] He earned his first career start in week six of the 2023 season against Oregon State.[15] He completed 21 of 32 pass attempts for 207 yards and two touchdowns with an interception in a loss to the Beavers.[16] A week later, he was 10 of 17 passing for 149 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in a loss to Utah.[17] Mendoza was named the team's starting quarterback heading forward.[18][19] In eight starts as a redshirt freshman, he completed 63 percent of his passes for 1,708 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading the Golden Bears to a 6–7 record and an Independence Bowl appearance against Texas Tech.[20]

Entering the 2024 season, Mendoza won the starting quarterback job, beating graduate transfer Chandler Rogers.[21] In week two against Auburn, Mendoza completed 25 of 36 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Bears to an upset win over the Tigers.[22] Mendoza was named ACC quarterback of the week in back-to-back games against Oregon State and Wake Forest, setting career highs in passing yards and completions. His 56 passing attempts against Wake Forest were the most by a California quarterback since 2016. On December 11, 2024, Mendoza announced he would be entering the NCAA transfer portal.[23] In 2025, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from Berkeley's Haas School of Business.[24]

Indiana

[edit]
Mendoza playing in the 2026 Rose Bowl
Mendoza following the 2026 CFP championship

On December 23, 2024, Mendoza announced his decision to transfer to Indiana University Bloomington play for the Hoosiers.[25] In the 2025 season opener against the Old Dominion Monarchs, Mendoza completed 18 of 31 passes for 193 yards and scored a touchdown on a five-yard rush as Indiana won 27–14.[26] He completed 18 of 25 passes for 245 yards and four touchdowns against the Kennesaw State Owls, leading the Hoosiers to a 56–9 win.[27] Against the Indiana State Sycamores, Mendoza completed 19 of 20 passes for 270 yards and five touchdowns, and ran for an additional touchdown in a 73–0 win; he did not return to the game after halftime.[28]

Mendoza threw for a career-high five passing touchdowns against the No. 9 Illinois Fighting Illini on 21 of 23 passing with 267 yards.[29] In a 20–15 win against the Iowa Hawkeyes, Mendoza completed 13 of 23 passes for 233 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.[30] He completed 20 of 31 passes for 215 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a 30–20 upset win on the road against the No. 3 Oregon Ducks.[31] Mendoza threw for a season-high 332 yards on 24 of 28 passing while defeating the Michigan State Spartans 38–13.[32] He led the Hoosiers to a 56–6 win against the UCLA Bruins, completing 15 of 22 passes for 168 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, adding a rushing touchdown; he left the game in the third quarter.[33] Mendoza completed 14 of 21 passes for 201 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, with one rushing touchdown, as the Hoosiers defeated the Maryland Terrapins, 55–10.[34]

In a 27–24 road win against the Penn State Nittany Lions, Mendoza completed 19 of 30 passes for 218 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, adding a rushing touchdown; the passing touchdown, to wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., came in the final moments of the game to take the lead and was widely described as "a Heisman moment".[35][36] Against the Wisconsin Badgers, he threw his 30th touchdown pass of the season, eclipsing the Indiana single-season program record set by Kurtis Rourke the previous season; Mendoza finished the game 22 of 24 passing for 299 yards and four touchdowns in a 31–7 win.[37] In the final game of the regular season, the Old Oaken Bucket rivalry game against the Purdue Boilermakers, Mendoza completed 8 of 15 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns, with one rushing touchdown, before leaving the game in the third quarter; Indiana won 56–3 to seal the program's first perfect regular season in the coldest game ever played at Ross-Ade Stadium.[38]

In the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game against the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes, Mendoza threw for 222 yards and a touchdown, leading Indiana to a 13–10 victory and their first Big Ten title since 1967.[39] He was named the game's MVP for his performance.[40] Mendoza led Indiana to its first bowl game win since 1991, defeating the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide 38–3 in the 2026 Rose Bowl;[41] he completed 14 of 16 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns.[42] Mendoza completed 17 of 20 passes for 177 yards and five touchdowns while defeating Oregon 56–22 in the 2026 Peach Bowl.[43]

In the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship against the Miami Hurricanes, he completed 16 passes for 186 yards while also rushing for a 12-yard touchdown, leading the Hoosiers to a 27–21 victory and the school's first-ever national title.[44] For his performance, Mendoza received the Offensive Player of the Game award.[45]

For the 2025 season, Mendoza was named the AP College Football Player of the Year,[46] the winner of the Chicago Tribune Silver Football,[47] and the Walter Camp Award.[48] He was also the winner of both the Maxwell Award and the Davey O'Brien Award. He was also named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Big Ten Quarterback of the Year, and first-team All-Big Ten.[49] He was announced to be one of the four Heisman Trophy finalists, along with Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, ultimately being named the recipient of the award.[50] Mendoza became the first player in Indiana school history to win the Heisman Trophy.[51] After the season, he announced he would forego his final year of NCAA eligibility and declare for the 2026 NFL draft.[52]

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span Wingspan
6 ft 4+3⁄4 in
(1.95 m)		 236 lb
(107 kg)		 31+7⁄8 in
(0.81 m)		 9+1⁄2 in
(0.24 m)		 6 ft 4+3⁄4 in
(1.95 m)
All values from NFL Combine[53][54]

Mendoza was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.[55] He has chosen to wear the number 15, the same number as Raider legend quarterback and coach Tom Flores, and received Flores' blessing to do so.[56]

Career statistics

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College

Season Team Games Passing Rushing
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Y/A TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
2022 California Redshirt Redshirted
2023 California 9 8 3−5 153 243 63.0 1,708 7.0 14 10 132.8 48 92 1.9 2
2024 California 11 11 6−5 265 386 68.7 3,004 7.8 16 6 144.6 87 105 1.2 2
2025 Indiana 16 16 16−0 273 379 72.0 3,535 9.3 41 6 182.9 90 276 3.1 7
Career 36 35 25−10 691 1,008 68.6 8,247 8.2 71 22 156.2 225 473 2.1 11

Career highlights

[edit]

College

Personal life

[edit]

Mendoza is a devout Roman Catholic.[58] He has spoken publicly about his faith and incorporates daily Mass into his game-day routine. While at Indiana, he also helped organize team Bible studies on campus and has credited his faith with fostering camaraderie among his teammates.[59][60][61]

Mendoza's younger brother, Alberto, was the backup quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers during Mendoza's tenure; he transferred to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in January 2026.[62][63][64]

Business interests and philanthropy

[edit]

Mendoza is an advocate for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and his mother, Elsa, lives with multiple sclerosis. Mendoza, alongside his brother, has created multiple menu items at restaurants in the towns of the colleges in which they have played; the money raised has gone to multiple sclerosis research. The items include the "Mendoza Burrito" at La Burrita in Berkeley, California, as well as the "Mendoza Bros. Burger" at BuffaLouie's and the "Mendoza Bros. Cubano" at Gable's Bagels in Bloomington, Indiana.[65][66]

In March 2026, Mendoza participated in an online promotional campaign for Epic Games' Fortnite alongside Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu.[67][68] In April 2026, he appeared in a commercial for the professional networking plaform LinkedIn as part of his NFL draft campaign; the collaboration stemmed from his notable use of the platform to share career milestones.[69] Mendoza has also signed name, image, and likeness (NIL) partnerships with brands including Adidas, Dr Pepper, and T-Mobile.[70]

Cultural identity and community representation

[edit]
Fernando Mendoza greets Dominican priests he invited from the campus ministry at Indiana University to the 2026 CFP National Championship.

Mendoza cites his Cuban heritage as being a major factor for his and his brother's passion as football players. In a 2025 interview with Indiana University Bloomington news website Peegs.com, he said, "Alberto and I play football not for ourselves, not for fulfillment and satisfaction of ourselves—we have a lot of whys why we do it for. One of the whys is our mom. Another why is our entire family. Our entire family comes from a Cuban background. All of our grandparents were born and raised in Cuba, and that's something we always take deeply to heart".[71][72]

He says that his Spanish language skills are more conversational than fluent, yet he delivered portions of his 2025 Heisman Trophy acceptance speech in Spanish to honor his family.[73] Mendoza has emphasized the role of the "prideful and supportive" nature of Hispanic family culture as a cornerstone of his professional stability.[72]

On December 18, 2025, Mendoza was named the inaugural recipient of the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame's Hispanic College Football Player of the Year Award.[74]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Eisenberg, Jeff (April 22, 2026). "NFL Draft: From nearly quitting to No. 1 — the stunning rise of Fernando Mendoza". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved April 22, 2026.
  2. ^ Osterman, Zach (December 11, 2025). "Sharing rooms, social media and touchdowns, IU's Mendoza brothers bond runs deep". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved December 12, 2025.
  3. ^ Graff, Lloyd (December 11, 2025). "Family is the Game Plan". Today's Machining World. Retrieved April 24, 2026.
  4. ^ "Gonzalez de Mendoza y Pedroso". Gonzalez de Mendoza y Pedroso. Retrieved May 2, 2026.
  5. ^ Aguila, Grethel (August 12, 2022). "You think your family reunions are big? Meet the Miami Cubans behind an 850-person bash". The Miami Herald.
  6. ^ Riaño, Miguel (January 27, 2026). "Fernando Mendoza es el 'extremeño' perfecto que dominará la NFL: ídolo católico, con sangre real de Luxemburgo y 2.836 parientes de la familia más poderosa de Cuba". El Mundo (in Spanish).
  7. ^ McGee, Ryan (January 19, 2026). "CFP National Championship: Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza's Miami roots run deep". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
  8. ^ Villa, Walter (October 26, 2021). "Miami Columbus' Cuban-American quarterback finds a role model in Texas A&M star". Miami Herald. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  9. ^ Mendoza, Elsa (December 11, 2025). "Dear Fernando". The Players' Tribune. Retrieved December 12, 2025.
  10. ^ Glenesk, Matthew; Osterman, Zach (November 17, 2025). "Indiana football QB Fernando Mendoza talks Heisman Trophy, Curt Cignetti". USA TODAY. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
  11. ^ a b "Fernando Mendoza Football Stats". MaxPreps.com. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  12. ^ "2021 FHSAA Football State Championships (8A Football State Championships )". www.maxpreps.com. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  13. ^ Farudo, Jeff (February 2, 2022). "Cal Football: Quarterback Fernando Mendoza Makes it Official, Signs With Bears". California Golden Bears on SI. SI.com. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  14. ^ Moriarty, Morgan (December 14, 2025). "Fernando Mendoza college timeline: How Indiana QB went from 2-star recruit to Heisman winner". Sporting News. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
  15. ^ Faraudo, Jeff (October 8, 2023). "Quarterback Fernando Mendoza Provides Hope in Cal's 52-40 Loss to OSU". California Golden Bears on SI. SI.com. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  16. ^ Kroner, Steve (October 8, 2023). "Cal crushed 52-40 by No. 15 Oregon State but finds QB Fernando Mendoza". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  17. ^ Kroner, Steve (October 27, 2023). "Can Cal's Fernando Mendoza keep pace with No. 24 USC's Caleb Williams?". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  18. ^ Kroner, Steve (October 8, 2023). "Cal coach commits to start Fernando Mendoza at QB vs. Utah". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  19. ^ Curtis, Jake (October 25, 2023). "Fernando Mendoza Says He's a Better QB Than He Was 3 Weeks ago". California Golden Bears on SI. SI.com. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  20. ^ "Fernando Mendoza - Football". California Golden Bears Athletics. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
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  22. ^ "California 21-20 Auburn (Sep 7, 2024) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
  23. ^ Olson, Max (December 11, 2024). "QB Mendoza entering portal after strong Cal year". ESPN. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  24. ^ "Fernando Mendoza - Football". Indiana University Athletics. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  25. ^ Olson, Max (December 24, 2024). "Sources: Cal transfer QB Mendoza picks Indiana". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
  26. ^ "QB Fernando Mendoza Leads Indiana Over Old Dominion In Season Opener". Fox Sports. August 30, 2025. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  27. ^ Ambrogi, Mark (September 6, 2025). "Mendoza's 4 TD passes power No. 23 Indiana to a 56-9 rout of Kennesaw State". WTHR. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  28. ^ "Indiana Drops 73 Points In Blowout Win Against Indiana State". Fox Sports. September 12, 2025. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  29. ^ Marot, Michael (September 21, 2025). "No. 19 Indiana takes control quickly and overwhelms No. 9 Illinois in 63-10 victory". AP News. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
  30. ^ Alfano, Jon (September 27, 2025). "Iowa Falls to Indiana in Heartbreaking Fashion". Iowa Hawkeyes on SI. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  31. ^ Kasabian, Paul (October 11, 2025). "Fernando Mendoza, IU Eyed for CFP Bracket Bid After Upset of Dante Moore, No. 3 Oregon". Bleacher Report. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  32. ^ Wilson, Phillip B. (October 18, 2025). "Mendoza throws four TD passes and No. 3 Indiana overwhelms Michigan State 38-13". AP News. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
  33. ^ Frank, Evan; Sims, Chris; Osterman, Zach; Ferguson, Aaron (October 25, 2025). "Indiana football vs UCLA final score, recap: Defense disrupts Nico Iamaleava's offense". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  34. ^ Flick, Daniel (November 1, 2025). "Indiana Football Dominates Maryland 55-10, Moves to 9-0 For Second Straight Year". Indiana Hoosiers on SI. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  35. ^ Forde, Pat (November 8, 2025). "Fernando Mendoza Delivers a Heisman Moment in Indiana's Miracle Drive to Stun Penn State". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  36. ^ Bahns, Carter (November 8, 2025). "Fernando Mendoza delivers Heisman moment as heroic, game-winning drive vs. Penn State cements favorite status". CBS Sports. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  37. ^ Frank, Evan; Sims, Chris; Osterman, Zach; Ferguson, Aaron (November 15, 2025). "Indiana football vs Wisconsin recap: Fernando Mendoza sets IU's single-season touchdown passing record". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  38. ^ "No. 2 Indiana moves to 12-0, earns Big Ten title game spot with 56-3 win at Purdue". ESPN. November 29, 2025. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  39. ^ Rittenberg, Adam (December 7, 2025). "Hoosiers bask in Big Ten title, CFP's No. 1 seed". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
  40. ^ Crawford, Eric (December 11, 2025). "CRAWFORD | Sleepless in Bloomington: Fernando Mendoza's Heisman moment is here". WDRB. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  41. ^ Rittenberg, Adam (January 2, 2025). "Indiana strolls into CFP semifinals, cruises past Alabama". ESPN. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  42. ^ Mendoza, Jordan (January 1, 2025). "Indiana, Fernando Mendoza outclass Alabama in Rose Bowl to reach CFP semifinals". USA Today. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  43. ^ Odum, Charles (January 9, 2026). "No. 1 Indiana adds to CFP dominance with crushing 56-22 Peach Bowl semifinal win over No. 5 Oregon". AP News. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  44. ^ Wallace, Eric J. "Fernando Mendoza's heroics lift Indiana to national title over Miami". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  45. ^ Rapp, Timothy. "Fernando Mendoza wins 2026 College Football National Championship Offensive MVP". Bleacherreport.com. Bleacher Report, Inc. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  46. ^ Olson, Eric (December 11, 2025). "Fernando Mendoza is AP player of the year after leading Indiana to 13-0 record and top seed in CFP". Associated Press News. Retrieved December 11, 2025.
  47. ^ Kane, Colleen (December 9, 2025). "QB Fernando Mendoza is the 2025 Chicago Tribune Silver Football winner — Indiana's 1st winner in 24 years". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 11, 2025.
  48. ^ Madera, Mike (December 10, 2025). "Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza Selected 2025 Walter Camp Player of the Year, presented by Crabtree Lexus of New Haven". Retrieved December 11, 2025.
  49. ^ Flick, Daniel (December 4, 2025). "Fernando Mendoza Wins Big Ten Player of Year, Snaps Indiana Football's 24-Year Drought". Indiana Hoosiers on SI. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 11, 2025.
  50. ^ Lev, Jacob (December 14, 2025). "After leading Indiana's perfect season, Fernando Mendoza awarded 2025 Heisman Trophy". CNN. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  51. ^ "QB Mendoza first Hoosier to win Heisman Trophy". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 14, 2025. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  52. ^ Salerno, Cameron (January 23, 2026). "Fernando Mendoza declares for 2026 NFL Draft: Indiana star QB, Heisman Trophy winner projects as No. 1 pick". CBS Sports. Retrieved January 23, 2026.
  53. ^ Reuter, Chad; Zierlein, Lance. "Fernando Mendoza Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
  54. ^ "Fernando Mendoza College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
  55. ^ Edwards, Levi (April 23, 2026). "Raiders select Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft". Raiders.com. Las Vegas Raiders.
  56. ^ Gutierrez, Paul (April 24, 2026). "Gutierrez: Raiders' past meets future as Tom Flores passes No. 15 torch to Fernando Mendoza". Raiders.com. Las Vegas Raiders. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
  57. ^ "FERNANDO MENDOZA NAMED INAUGURAL 2025 HISPANIC FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME COLLEGE PLAYER OF THE YEAR". Hispanic Football Hall of Fame. December 18, 2025. Retrieved April 16, 2026.
  58. ^ https://www.ncregister.com/news/fernando-mendoza-s-faith-grounds-him
  59. ^ Forde, Pat (January 19, 2026). "Through Unwavering Faith, Fernando Mendoza Brings His Decorated College Career Home". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
  60. ^ Foust, Michael (December 8, 2025). "Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza Gives the 'Glory to God' after Historic Hoosiers Win". Crosswalk.com. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  61. ^ Shaughnessy, John (December 17, 2025). "Honor is 'bigger than me,' Heisman winner, a Catholic, says in emotional acceptance speech". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
  62. ^ Niziolek, Michael (September 6, 2025). "Indiana quarterbacks, brothers become first duo in 10 years to accomplish college football feat". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved September 29, 2025.
  63. ^ Halm, Alexandra (September 26, 2025). "Brothers in Arms: IU's Mendoza Duo". WFIU. Retrieved September 29, 2025.
  64. ^ Meyer, Craig (January 20, 2026). "Indiana QB Alberto Mendoza, Fernando's younger brother, reportedly transfers to Georgia Tech". USA Today. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  65. ^ "I'm supporting the National MS Society!". National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS). Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  66. ^ Horner, Scott (January 1, 2026). "Who is Elsa Mendoza? What to know about Indiana quarterbacks mom, battle with MS". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  67. ^ Machlin, Tzvi (March 21, 2026). "Fernando Mendoza Causes Stir With Message For Alysa Liu". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  68. ^ "Fernando Mendoza's Viral Message to Alysa Liu Turns Heads". The Athlete Lifestyle On SI. March 20, 2026. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  69. ^ "LinkedIn Launches NFL Draft Campaign with Fernando Mendoza". news.linkedin.com. April 23, 2026. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  70. ^ "Fernando Mendoza Hints at Landing Spot with Viral Draft Day Post". The Athlete Lifestyle On SI. April 23, 2026. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  71. ^ Kelly, Jared (November 19, 2025). "Fernando Mendoza Q&A: Heisman race, playing for Curt Cignetti, development at Indiana, NFL aspirations". 247Sports. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
  72. ^ a b Forde, Pat (November 21, 2025). "Fernando Mendoza Wasn't Supposed to Take Indiana Football This Far". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
  73. ^ Vázquez, Luis Guillermo; Roche, Calum (January 20, 2026). "Fernando Mendoza's rise from overlooked prospect to Heisman winner and likely NFL No. 1 pick". AS USA. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  74. ^ "FERNANDO MENDOZA NAMED INAUGURAL 2025 HISPANIC FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME COLLEGE PLAYER OF THE YEAR | Hispanic Football Hall of Fame". www.hispanicfootball.org. December 18, 2025. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
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