College Football: Driven by Family – Fernando Mendoza Is the Heart of Indiana’s Unbeaten Season
The No. 5 tablespoon sugar to grams 2-ranked Indiana Hoosiers are dominating the competition, and their quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, plays a crucial role in this impressive journey. Mendoza is enjoying a remarkable debut season in Bloomington. After Indiana’s first seven games, the redshirt junior has amassed 1,755 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, only two interceptions, and a remarkable passer rating of 191.0, ranking first in the nation among qualified passers. He has also completed 73.5% of his passes, which places him third in the nation. #tayabet His touchdown total and passer rating lead the Big Ten as well. Additionally, Mendoza has gained 151 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns. tamabet slot login
In the Week 9 episode of “Big Noon Kickoff,” Mendoza shared with Tom Rinaldi the reason behind his transfer to Indiana. “My main goal was to become the best Fernando Mendoza quarterback that I could become,” Mendoza expressed. “Seeing [my brother] Alberto [Mendoza] progress so much in one year made me realize that he jumped ahead in a year what I took maybe two or even three years to achieve. I wanted to understand what the Indiana program has to offer, and when I talked to Coach Cignetti, I was impressed with how they manage the offense, the system, and their track record of developing quarterbacks. tamabet withdrawal”
Before joining Indiana, Fernando Mendoza spent two seasons with the California Golden Bears, where he passed for 3,004 yards, 16 touchdowns, and completed 68.7% of his passes in 2024. His commitment to Indiana was viewed as one of the most significant transfer additions that season, and his performance has exceeded expectations.
Among Indiana’s key victories this season are a 30-20 win over the now-No. 6 Oregon in Eugene and a 63-10 thrashing of the now-No. 23 Illinois in Bloomington. The Hoosiers boast an impressive 7–0 record as they prepare for a Big Ten clash against UCLA this Saturday tamabet app download.
A major factor behind Indiana’s success is the leadership of Coach Cignetti, whose influence has swiftly transformed the culture and confidence of the program. “People see the viral quotes from Coach Cig, like ‘Google me,’ but he is very calculated and process-oriented in how he manages his players,” Mendoza said. “In the Oregon game, after I threw a pick-six, he asked, ‘Are you having fun?’ That’s a great way to keep a quarterback focused and grounded, as he knows I need to remain calm and composed to help us win.”
Mendoza’s success is underpinned by his mother’s ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis. “She fights it every single day and is my inspiration because, no matter how tough it gets, she maintains an unwavering positivity that influences our lives,” he commented. “She sets an example of positivity and an optimistic approach. If I have a bad game or practice, I won’t sulk because I see how hard she’s fighting and how she stays positive.”
Upon arriving in Bloomington, Mendoza committed to doing something beneficial for his community and his mother’s cause. He and his brother Alberto partnered with a local restaurant, BuffaLouie’s at The Gables, to create a burger on the menu aimed at raising awareness for multiple sclerosis. “It promotes awareness, and we’re proud of it,” said Fernando. “She’s poured so much love and time into us, and it feels right to give back to her and my family.”
Indiana will host the UCLA Bruins in Week 9 (noon ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app).
What are your thoughts on Fernando Mendoza’s inspiring journey and impact on college football?
