Fernando Mendoza has become a name to watch in the NFL draft conversation after a stellar 2025 season with the Indiana Hoosiers. The quarterback, who started his college career with the California Golden Bears, made a pivotal move to join Curt Cignetti at Indiana.
In his lone season with the Hoosiers, Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards, completing 273 of 379 passes, and racked up an impressive 41 touchdowns against just six interceptions. His performance didn't just elevate his status as the top quarterback in college football; it also positioned him as a potential game-changer for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Despite some concerns about his transition to the professional game, the general consensus is that Mendoza has the skills to excel in the NFL. His impact on Indiana’s program was monumental, leading them to their first national championship. But his path could have been different.
In a candid interview with The Ticket, Mendoza shared how his transfer decision came down to Indiana and the Georgia Bulldogs. He expressed admiration for Georgia's coach, Kirby Smart, and the program's near-championship run.
“It was really a tough decision,” Mendoza admitted. “I was really going back and forth between the two.
Both were great situations, a win-win.”
An interesting twist in his decision-making process was a failed call to Kirby Smart. Mendoza recounted, “I was about to call Kirby to commit to Georgia, and the call didn’t go through.
I thought, ‘Alright, let me sleep on it tonight.’ I really believed it was a sign.”
Mendoza's determination and willingness to put everything on the line paid off, as the Hoosiers completed a perfect 16-0 season, culminating in a national championship victory against the Miami Hurricanes. This remarkable season not only cemented his legacy at Indiana but also set the stage for what could be an exciting NFL career.