Indiana Quarterback Mendoza Emerges as Heisman Contender After Top 10 Victory

BLOOMINGTON, Indiana — Fernando Mendoza has made a name for himself in the Heisman Trophy race with a standout performance that led the Indiana Hoosiers to a decisive win over a Top 10 team. On September 26, Mendoza threw five touchdown passes while completing 21 of 23 attempts for 267 yards against the then-No. 9 Illinois, further solidifying his status as a key player in college football.

This victory increased the Hoosiers’ ranking from No. 20 to No. 11, elevating Mendoza into the national conversation for the prestigious Heisman Trophy. He currently leads the nation with 14 touchdown passes and has yet to throw an interception this season, maintaining a completion percentage of 76.8 percent.

Now in his junior year, Mendoza is a 21-year-old quarterback from Berkeley, California. He transferred to Indiana after spending three seasons at the University of California, Berkeley, where he showcased his potential as a starting quarterback. Mendoza stepped into the spotlight this season, having already impressed coaches and fans alike with his strong performances and leadership qualities.

“He’s got a tremendous upside, and he prepares,” Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti said recently. “He will do everything he can to be the best he can be. It means a lot to him. He wants to be great.”

Mendoza’s path to success has not been easy. Prior to his transfer, he was not highly recruited out of Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Florida, where he played under coach Dave Dunn, who expressed frustration at Mendoza’s lack of offers. Despite this, Mendoza has proven his doubters wrong, breaking records and earning starting positions throughout his collegiate career.

This Saturday, Mendoza and the Hoosiers face another challenge as they head to Iowa City to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in an important Big Ten matchup. As Mendoza steps onto the field, both coaches and fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if he can continue his remarkable journey toward the Heisman Trophy.