In a week filled with unexpected sports crossovers, Fernando Mendoza has found himself at the center of a buzzworthy interaction. The Indiana quarterback, fresh off a stellar college football season and widely anticipated as the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, engaged in a playful exchange with Olympic athlete Alysa Liu, sparking widespread attention.
Mendoza, known for his dynamic presence on the field, took to Instagram to share a lighthearted moment. Holding a gold Fortnite crown, he tagged Liu with the caption, “Am I doing it right?”
This playful nod was a reference to Liu’s celebrated gold medal bite from the 2026 Winter Olympics, where she became a standout figure. Liu, who at just 20 years old clinched gold in women’s singles and helped Team USA secure team gold, responded with wit, reposting Mendoza’s story with, “Nah coming for the ice king?
I eat these crowns for breakfast.” Her response, referencing her iconic medal celebration, quickly gained traction, further intertwining their public personas.
While this exchange showcased Mendoza’s engaging personality off the field, serious discussions continue around his football prowess. As the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, Mendoza’s on-field performance has been nothing short of remarkable.
However, former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky has raised some concerns. During Indiana’s matchup against Oregon, Orlovsky noted Mendoza’s tendency to opt for checkdowns rather than exploring deeper options in the play.
“He immediately gets to the checkdown risk-averse…You’re not gonna be great in the NFL, kind of living like that,” Orlovsky commented, pointing out a pattern that could impact Mendoza’s transition to the professional level.
As Mendoza navigates the lead-up to the draft, balancing his viral moments with the critical evaluations of his gameplay will be key. The conversation around him is multifaceted, blending his marketable charisma with the technical aspects of his game that scouts are scrutinizing. With the draft approaching, Mendoza’s journey continues to captivate both fans and analysts alike.