He’s a big influence with a “Small Town’ ethic

Mendoza has fit right into Indiana’s system and has Hoosiers on cusp of historic title.

- By MicHaEL MarotT

FERNANDO MENDOZA is the favorite to be the first pick in the NFL draft.

(Brynn Anderson Associated Press)

Fernando Mendoza arrived on Indiana’s campus last January carrying huge expectations for himself and the program.

Outsiders almost immediately dubbed the new, highly touted transfer as the quarterback who could lead Indiana's football program to unprecedented heights. Some even suggested Mendoza could be a Heisman Trophy candidate and possibly the top prospect in the 2026 NFL draft.

But the grounded grandson of Cuban immigrants ignored the chatter and focused instead on proving himself all over again.

Mendoza wasted no time earning the respect of his new teammates thanks to a relentless work ethic. He quickly impressed coaches with his unflappable poise, uncanny natural instincts and unconventional study habits. The Miami native and former California star found his exuberant, humble personality fit perfectly in this Midwestern college town John Mellencamp depicted in his hit song “Small Town.” And eventually Mendoza’s penchant for making clutch plays put him on the big stage, winning college football’s most prestigious individual award in a landslide.

Now as the 22-year-old tries to etch one final chapter into this seemingly made-for-television Hollywood script — leading what had been major college football’s losingest program to its first national championship in front of a throng of family and friends just about a 40-minute drive from his parents’ home — Mendoza continues to insist he’s just along for the ride.