The Heisman Podcast Interviews Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is featured on the most recent Official Heisman Trophy Podcast. Listen to the full conversation here. Episodes and clips of The Official Heisman Trophy Podcast are available on all major podcast networks, including Spotify and Apple, as well on YouTube and TikTok.
As the Indiana Hoosiers chase perfection in a historic 11–0 season, one man stands at the heart of it all—quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The redshirt junior transfer has been electric, accounting for 35 total touchdowns and engineering thrilling wins over programs like Oregon and Penn State. His recent appearance on the Heisman Trophy Podcast revealed a cerebral, relentlessly improving leader whose rise from under-recruited prospect to national spotlight is one of the most compelling stories in college football.
“A Great Season with Great People”
“To do it with great people makes it so much more special,” Mendoza said of Indiana’s undefeated run. “The coaches, the locker room, the support staff—we’re all so intertwined.”
That tight bond has helped the Hoosiers weather everything from a roaring Iowa crowd to an upset scare against Penn State. It was in that Penn State win that Mendoza tossed one of the season’s defining passes—a go-ahead touchdown to Omar Cooper Jr. that’s already legendary in Bloomington.
“I think that’s one of the best catches of all time in college football history—and for sure the best catch this year,” Mendoza said. “I actually ordered a t-shirt. It says ‘The Catch.’”
The Transfer Gamble That Paid Off
Mendoza’s journey to Indiana took courage—and a leap of faith.
A business administration graduate from UC Berkeley, Mendoza left Cal after three seasons and four offensive coordinator changes. “There were a couple nights I was just bawling,” he said. “Getting out of your comfort zone is how you grow.”
Though blue-blood programs showed interest—including Alabama as a walk-on—Mendoza saw something different at Indiana.
“Coach Cignetti said, ‘I can’t guarantee anything, but I’ll help you become the best Fernando Mendoza possible.’ That’s all I needed.”
The presence of his younger brother, Alberto (also a QB on the roster), helped seal the deal.
“Spring ball, he was having better practices than me. I had to push harder,” Mendoza recalled. “He’s helped my technique, processing speed—we’ve both grown exponentially.”
Indiana’s Offensive Identity: Precision and Detail
When asked what makes Indiana’s offense click, Mendoza points to the system’s demand for precision.
“It’s detailed. There’s not a lot of gray area, which I love,” he said. “On my third step, I know I have to throw it to this landmark. It’s timing, execution, and accountability.”
From Air Raid to Run-and-Shoot to Indiana’s multiple scheme, Mendoza has embraced every new playbook with a learner’s mindset. He credits his success to surrounding himself with teammates and coaches who love the grind—and to staying in the present moment.
“I define fun as being fully present in the now,” Mendoza explained. “Whether it’s learning a playbook, a new language, or a term in finance, I just love to learn.”
Business Mind Meets Quarterback Grind
The Berkeley grad draws direct parallels between startups and Indiana’s rise.
“Indiana felt like a startup with amazing leadership,” he said. “I even worked for a VC fund at Berkeley, and what you look for in startups is great leadership—that’s what I saw here.”
Mendoza reads every night, often drawing inspiration from books like Mind Gym or What You’re Made For by George Raveling. He’s not ashamed to admit he finds Stoic thought more approachable through writers like Ryan Holiday than original texts.
“I have a big whiteboard. I write quotes on it and switch them out. It helps me focus on how I want to live each day.”
Proving the Doubters Wrong
Rated a two-star prospect out of Columbus High in Miami, Mendoza was overlooked by most of the Power Five—even though the talent was obvious.
“I was raw,” he admitted. “COVID hit during my junior year, which is when most kids get recruited. A lot of guys couldn’t be seen.”
After a brief flirtation with Ivy League schools (Yale offered first), Mendoza jumped at a full scholarship to Cal when Bill Musgrave visited Miami and believed in his upside. That opportunity sparked everything.
“From there, I knew—whenever I got the chance, I was never going to look back,” he said.
Still, the transition came with imposter syndrome. Mendoza credits his work with sports psychologists and mentors like former Cal QB Mike Pawlawski for helping him mentally level up.
“If you have imposter syndrome, it means you’re doing it right,” he said. “You care.”
Faith, Family, and Purpose
Mendoza’s spirituality is woven into everything. He prays the Rosary every Friday, listens to online Mass before games, and avoids hype music to stay grounded. He texts his family before kickoff. He taps the “WIN” sign three times with each hand. He never steps on the school seal.
“My mom is my inspiration,” Mendoza said, tearing up when discussing her battle with multiple sclerosis. “She’s the reason I’ve gotten this far. There’s no excuse for complacency when you see what she fights through.”
He’s raised thousands through his MS awareness efforts, linking fundraisers in both Berkeley and Bloomington. “There’s still no cure,” he said. “We’re praying for one every day.”
What’s Next?
Despite growing Heisman buzz and national attention, Mendoza remains rooted.
“Right now, I’m focused on the Heisman podcast,” he said with a smile. “And on beating Purdue. That’s it.”
Still, it’s clear the NFL and leadership opportunities await. He dreams of one day having dinner with Tom Brady, admires Tim Tebow’s humility, and sees football as a vessel for greater good.
“I just want to keep learning and improving every year,” Mendoza said. “And become the best version of myself I can.”
