Fernando Mendoza Could Take Indiana To New Heights in 2025

On his LinkedIn profile, quarterback Fernando Mendoza describes himself as a "process-driven and detail-oriented leader." This characterization aptly reflects the type of quarterback he has been throughout his young college football career.

For Mendoza, the decision to transfer to Indiana likely stems, in part, from the opportunity to play alongside his younger brother, Alberto Mendoza, who joined the program last year. However, given his competitive nature, the chance to build on the Hoosiers' success from last season may ultimately have been the driving factor behind his transfer, as well as the opportunity to play under the bold leadership of head coach Curt Cignetti.

Mendoza faces the daunting task of stepping into the shoes of former quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who is widely celebrated for leading the Hoosiers to an impressive 11-2 record and securing a No. 10 seed in last year's College Football Playoff. Yet, Mendoza has quietly made a name for himself as one of the most underrated players in the sport.

Last season, while playing for the California Bears, Mendoza recorded 3,004 passing yards, ranking sixth in the ACC. He also threw for 16 touchdowns, placing him among the top 10 in his conference. On average, he delivered 273.1 passing yards per game, the third-highest in the ACC. His standout performance came in Week 9 against Wake Forest, where he amassed 385 passing yards on 40 completions with two touchdowns. This game marked the fifth time that season in which he achieved a completion percentage of 71% or higher.

Mendoza may not possess the same level of mobility as his predecessor, Rourke, but his size (6'5", 225 pounds) gives him a distinct advantage in finding his targets. With All-Big Ten receiver Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. returning this season, he’ll have no shortage of options. In a conference brimming with star power at the quarterback position, Mendoza is poised to seize the opportunity before him and establish himself as a player worthy of being mentioned among the best.