The Indiana Hoosiers football team finds itself in the national spotlight as it prepares for a historic College Football Playoff semifinal clash against the Oregon Ducks at the Peach Bowl. At the heart of this unprecedented run is quarterback Fernando Mendoza, whose journey from Miami to Bloomington has not only transformed Indiana’s program but also captured the imagination of college football fans nationwide. Yet, behind every great story is a cast of characters—family, faith, and the unbreakable bond between brothers—that has shaped this remarkable season for the Hoosiers.
Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy-winning signal-caller, has been nothing short of spectacular throughout the 2025 season. A transfer from Cal, Mendoza’s arrival coincided with Indiana’s meteoric rise under head coach Curt Cignetti. Cignetti, who took the reins in Bloomington and quickly built the program into a Big Ten powerhouse, found his perfect on-field leader in Mendoza. The results speak for themselves: a 13-0 record, a Big Ten Championship, and the coveted No. 1 seed heading into the College Football Playoff.
But the Mendoza family’s impact on the Hoosiers doesn’t stop with Fernando. His younger brother, Alberto Mendoza, serves as Indiana’s direct backup quarterback. Should anything happen to Fernando during the high-stakes semifinal against Oregon, Alberto is ready to step in—a testament to the depth and resilience of the Mendoza family. “They’ve shown they really like me and feel like I’ve developed really well, and think I can be a great player,” Alberto told The Herald-Times after Indiana’s Rose Bowl win. “Coach Cig has really emphasized that I have a really bright future.”
Alberto’s contributions this season have been notable in their own right. The sophomore quarterback has completed 18 of 24 passes for 286 yards, tossing five touchdowns against a single interception. He’s also added 190 rushing yards and a score on the ground, appearing in six regular season games and the Rose Bowl. The Mendoza brothers even made history together, becoming the first set of siblings since 2015 to throw touchdown passes in the same game for the same team. It’s a family affair that’s electrified Hoosier Nation and given fans even more reason to cheer.
While Fernando’s exploits have earned him national acclaim—his Instagram following now sits at a quarter of a million—Alberto is steadily building his own fanbase, approaching 25,000 followers. Their story has resonated far beyond the gridiron, drawing heartfelt messages from supporters. As one fan commented on Alberto’s social media, “Aloha! Congratulations to both of you with your brother winning the Big Ten championship game. It’s so beautiful to see two brothers playing together in one team at IU football. That’s pretty special. Good Luck at the Rose Bowl.”
Fernando’s on-field numbers are staggering: over 3,100 passing yards, 36 touchdown passes, just six interceptions, and another 250 yards and six scores on the ground. According to NCAA research, these stats place him among the nation’s elite, and his Heisman campaign was built on both volume and efficiency. Sports Illustrated praised his decision-making and leadership, noting that “Mendoza isn’t just Indiana’s signal-caller. He’s the team’s heartbeat, and his brother Alberto isn’t far behind.”
What truly sets Fernando Mendoza apart, however, is the driving force behind his success. Raised in Miami, Mendoza initially committed to Yale before starting his collegiate career at Cal under coach Justin Wilcox. His journey took a pivotal turn when Alberto, after connecting with Cignetti while he was still at James Madison, transferred to Indiana to join his brother. The Mendoza family’s tight-knit nature is evident, especially in the stands, where Fernando’s mother, Elsa, is a constant presence despite her battle with multiple sclerosis. Her courage and positivity have inspired Fernando throughout his career. As detailed in recent coverage, “She is the driving force behind his success. Her battle with multiple sclerosis has been well-documented. Even though it restricts her movement, it does not restrict her passion, her positivity, and her enthusiasm for life.”
Indeed, Fernando’s motivation goes beyond personal glory. The looming prospect of being the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft—where the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to call his name—hasn’t distracted him from his purpose. “First, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to chase a dream that once felt a world away,” Mendoza said after winning the Heisman Trophy in December 2025. His faith is an integral part of his identity. At a January 7, 2026 press conference ahead of the Peach Bowl, Mendoza revealed his unique pregame routine: “I honestly don’t listen to hype songs because I have to stay cool, calm, and collected. I actually meditate and pray before the game.” CatholicVote’s video of Mendoza’s remarks drew praise on social media, with one Instagram user calling him “the best role model!” and another remarking, “Love this guy!”
Mendoza’s public expressions of faith have become a hallmark of his career. After Indiana’s pivotal win over Penn State in November 2025, he gave all glory to God during a FOX broadcast. Father Patrick Hyde, OP, pastor at Indiana University’s Newman Center, lauded Mendoza’s achievements and highlighted his regular attendance at Mass, stating, “The guy you see every Sunday at Mass.” Mendoza’s humility and dedication have made him a role model both on and off the field.
As the Peach Bowl unfolds, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Indiana. The Hoosiers are navigating uncharted territory, facing an Oregon team with a richer football history but no national championship to its name. For Indiana, this season already represents a monumental breakthrough. Coach Cignetti’s leadership, the Mendoza brothers’ connection, and the unwavering support of their family have combined to create a narrative that’s as compelling as any in recent college football memory.
Looking ahead, questions linger about the future. Indiana’s signing of TCU transfer Josh Hoover suggests that Fernando may declare for the NFL draft after this season, opening the door for Alberto to step into the starting role. Regardless of what happens next, the Mendoza family’s legacy at Indiana is secure.
With the Peach Bowl still in progress and the outcome hanging in the balance, one thing is certain: the 2025 Indiana Hoosiers, led by Fernando Mendoza, have already changed the narrative of college football in Bloomington. Their journey—marked by faith, family, and a relentless pursuit of greatness—will be remembered for years to come, no matter how this story ends.
