Fernando Mendoza: What to know about Indiana's QB ahead of the Peach Bowl

Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed the 2025 season with 3,172 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, and he headlines Indiana as the team prepares for the Peach Bowl semifinal.

Fernando Mendoza is the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback leading an undefeated Indiana College Football Playoff run. Miami clinched a spot in the national championship on Jan. 8, and if Indiana defeats Oregon in the Peach Bowl semifinal, Mendoza could return to the Miami area for the Jan. 19 title game in Miami Gardens. Mendoza was born in Boston in 2003 and raised in Miami, where he attended Christopher Columbus High School. He moved from Cal to Indiana after the 2024 season and has been a central figure for the Hoosiers this season. Key details: - Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and finished the 2025 season 240-of-332 passing (72.3%) for 3,172 yards, 36 touchdowns and six interceptions, with 77 rushes for 256 yards and six rushing touchdowns. - He was born Oct. 1, 2003, and was raised in Miami; he attended Christopher Columbus High School. - Out of high school Mendoza was a two-star recruit; he initially committed to Yale, later de-committed and joined Cal, where he redshirted and then became a starter. - After two seasons at Cal, Mendoza entered the transfer portal on Dec. 11, 2024, and committed to Indiana 13 days later. - The article reports Mendoza is expected to enter the 2026 NFL Draft. Summary: Mendoza's performances this season have been a major factor in Indiana's run through the College Football Playoff. Indiana faces No. 5 Oregon in the Peach Bowl semifinal in Atlanta; if Indiana wins, the team would advance to the national championship game in Miami Gardens on Jan. 19.