Fernando Mendoza has already made a serious name for himself ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Indiana Hoosiers QB has stepped into leadership roles both on and off the field. Climbing up draft boards after having what was called one of the best single seasons by a Big Ten quarterback.
After transferring from Cal, the Miami native helped transform Indiana from a struggling program into a serious contender. That run ended with a perfect 16–0 record and the school's first national championship. His statistics supported it, but what stood out was his composure in the big moments. This led to his Heisman win, where he received 84.6% of the votes.
Now, as he prepares for the draft, let's take a deeper look at what made Fernando Mendoza who he is today.
What high school did Fernando Mendoza go to?
Mendoza went to Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, where, as quarterback on the football team, he completed 133 of his 203 pass attempts for 1,396 yards and 16 touchdowns with four interceptions, while also adding 137 yards and a touchdown on the ground in two seasons. He was just as good in the classroom, receiving a 4.7 GPA from school.
What college did Fernando Mendoza go to?
Mendoza graduated from Indiana University's Haas School of Business; Before this, he attended the University of California.
What is Fernando Mendoza College GPA?
Mendoza has a 3.4 GPA in college after graduating from Indiana University.
What degree does Fernando Mendoza have?
Mendoza holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley. According to his LinkedIn, he also has a Master's degree in Business Administration from Indiana University Bloomington.
Why did Fernando Mendoza transfer from Cal to Indiana?
When discussing his transfer, Mendoza said he saw Indiana as the best place for development, choosing the program instead of "blue bloods" like Georgia and Missouri because Cignetti promised to turn him into "the best Fernando Mendoza." Mendoza stated that the primary reason for his departure was to find a system that could turn him into a "pro-ready quarterback".
Another reason Mendoza decided to go to Bloomington was his younger brother, Alberto, who was already a redshirt freshman quarterback at Indiana.
How much did Fernando Mendoza make with zero money?
According to NFL sources, Mendoza is worth $2.6 million, which ranks him in the top five nationally among college football players.
Fernando Mendoza's college statistics
Mendoza accumulated 8,267 passing yards and 71 TDs at California and Indiana. At Cal, during his 2 seasons, he has racked up 4,712 yards and 30 TDs. And at Indiana (2025): 3,535 yards, 41 TDs.
Will the Las Vegas Raiders draft Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall?
According to multiple reports, the draft is interested in drafting Mendoza as the No. 1 pick.
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Who are Fernando Mendoza's parents?
Fernando Mendoza's parents are Elsa and Fernando Mendoza Sr. -
Who is Fernando Mendoza's girlfriend?
No, Fernando Mendiza does not have a girlfriend. -
Does Fernando Mendoza have a brother?
Fernando Mendoza has two brothers – Alberto and Max. Alberto plays football with Fernando for the Indiana Hoosiers and Max is in Miami.
