Fernando Mendoza’s electrifying journey with the Indiana Hoosiers is etched in college football lore. However, placing him at No. 14 on ESPN analyst Bill Connelly’s list of the top 100 quarterbacks of the 2000s invites some scrutiny.
Mendoza’s impact at Indiana is undeniable. After transferring from Cal, he crafted an unforgettable season, tossing 41 touchdowns, snagging the Heisman Trophy, and leading Indiana to a flawless 16-0 record and its first national championship. This marked the first undefeated 16-game season in major college football in over a century.
For that season alone, Mendoza’s place in history is secured.
Connelly’s ranking, however, spans a 25-year period, where consistency, overall production, and multi-season dominance are key. Mendoza’s career stats-8,247 passing yards, 71 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions over three seasons-are impressive but modest compared to some quarterbacks ranked lower. Many Heisman winners and College Football Playoff stars have posted bigger numbers and enjoyed sustained success.
Mendoza’s rise was also perfectly timed with his partnership with coach Curt Cignetti in Bloomington. His time at Cal was solid but unspectacular, highlighting how Indiana’s system and team dynamics were crucial during their championship run.
This doesn’t take away from the magic of the 2025 season. Mendoza’s clutch plays were the heartbeat of Indiana’s title chase, with moments like his end zone dive against Miami standing out-reminiscent of Vince Young’s legendary run for Texas in 2005.
The debate remains: can one extraordinary season eclipse careers marked by longer-term statistical dominance?
As Mendoza heads into the 2026 NFL draft, being ranked No. 14 is a testament to his impact. Whether it stands the test of history is a question open to discussion.