Indiana’s rise to the No. 1 seed in this year’s College Football Playoff isn’t just a feel-good story - it’s the product of a team that’s played disciplined, explosive football all season long. Now, the Hoosiers face their biggest test yet: a Rose Bowl showdown with No.
9 Alabama, a program that practically wrote the book on postseason dominance. Indiana enters as a 6.5-point favorite, but make no mistake - this is far from a walkover.
At the heart of Indiana’s historic season is quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a transfer from Cal who didn’t just take over the offense - he transformed it. Mendoza has thrown for 2,980 yards with 33 touchdowns to just six interceptions, numbers that put him among the most efficient and productive quarterbacks in the country. He’s been steady, smart, and at times, downright spectacular.
Fernando Mendoza: The Engine Behind Indiana’s Offense
Mendoza’s command of the offense has been a game-changer for the Hoosiers. His 71.5% completion rate ranks sixth nationally, a testament to both his accuracy and the offensive scheme’s rhythm. His signature performance came against Michigan State, where he torched the Spartans for 332 yards and four touchdowns with zero turnovers - a clinic in quarterback play.
Even in games where the box score didn’t explode, Mendoza’s impact was undeniable. Take the Big Ten title game against Ohio State.
He threw for 222 yards, a touchdown, and an interception - not gaudy numbers, but enough to guide Indiana to its first conference championship since 1967. That win also helped cement his place in college football history as Indiana’s first-ever Heisman Trophy winner.
But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Mendoza took a hard shot on the first play of the Big Ten title game and had to leave briefly. That led to a moment that turned some heads - his younger brother, Alberto Mendoza, stepped in for a snap.
Indiana’s QB Room: A Family Affair with Depth
Let’s break down Indiana’s quarterback depth chart heading into the Rose Bowl:
- Fernando Mendoza (Redshirt Junior) - The starter and Heisman winner, he’s been the face of the program all year.
- Alberto Mendoza (Redshirt Freshman) - Fernando’s younger brother and primary backup.
- Grant Wilson (Redshirt Senior) - A seasoned veteran with starting experience at Old Dominion.
- Jacob Bell (Freshman) - A developmental player with upside, still waiting for his first collegiate snap.
Alberto Mendoza: The Next in Line?
Alberto Mendoza might be backing up his brother now, but there’s plenty of intrigue around his future. A 3-star recruit from Florida, Alberto was ranked as the No. 84 quarterback in his class and had offers from schools like James Madison, App State, and East Carolina. Indiana and Duke were the only Power Five programs that extended offers, but the Hoosiers won out - in part because Alberto committed before Fernando ever transferred in.
This season, Alberto has thrown for 286 yards with five touchdowns and just one interception in limited action. His lone appearance in the Big Ten title game was brief - just one play - but it was a reminder that Indiana has a capable second option if needed.
Grant Wilson: Veteran Presence in the Room
Wilson, a redshirt senior, brings experience and leadership to the group. After starting his career at Fordham, he transferred to Old Dominion, where he had a breakout season in 2023.
He threw for 2,149 yards with 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions that year, finishing his career with 2,661 passing yards and 21 total touchdowns. While he hasn’t seen much action in Bloomington, having a quarterback with that kind of experience in the room is invaluable - especially during a playoff run.
Jacob Bell: The Freshman with Potential
Jacob Bell is the future project in Indiana’s quarterback pipeline. A 3-star recruit out of Naperville, Illinois, Bell hasn’t played yet this season, but the coaching staff is high on his long-term potential. For now, he’s learning behind a group of veteran signal-callers, which is exactly where a freshman should be in a playoff-caliber program.
What’s Next for the Mendoza Brothers?
The connection between the Mendoza brothers has added a unique layer to Indiana’s story this season. Alberto arrived in Bloomington a year before Fernando transferred in, and his presence likely played a role in luring the older brother to the program. It’s a rare case of the younger sibling helping to land the star - and it’s worked out beautifully for the Hoosiers.
As for whether Alberto can eventually follow in Fernando’s footsteps as a full-time starter, that’s still to be determined. He was a more heavily recruited prospect out of high school, but college football is about development, not just recruiting stars. What we do know is that Indiana has built a quarterback room with depth, talent, and continuity - and that’s a big reason why they’re playing on the biggest stage in college football.
With Fernando Mendoza leading the charge and a strong supporting cast behind him, Indiana’s quarterback situation is as stable and promising as any in the country. Now, all eyes turn to Pasadena, where the Hoosiers will look to prove their No. 1 seed is more than just a number - it’s a statement.