Fernando Mendoza has already enjoyed a storybook season, winning the Heisman Trophy and potentially solidifying himself as the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft while leading Indiana football to a Big Ten championship. Those achievements all comprise what is one of the more improbable journeys a player has ever taken, but the star quarterback has the chance to become an unquestioned legend in the sport if he and the Hoosiers can capture a national championship.
They are marching closer toward that once seemingly unreachable mountaintop after annihilating Alabama in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals, 38-3. Mendoza landed a fatal blow on the Crimson Tide's season, throwing a 24-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt to give Indiana a 24-0 lead with less than eight minutes remaining in the third quarter, via Dusty Baker of WAVE News.
Alabama overcame a three-possession deficit against Oklahoma in the opening round of the CFP, but as the Hoosiers continue to prove, this is a different animal. Curt Cignetti's squad was not intimidated by its opponent's prestige or the heightened pressure that comes with playing in the Rose Bowl. Indiana embarrassed arguably the most celebrated program in college football history, effortlessly maintaining its party crasher status in the 2025-26 campaign.
The Hoosiers served Bama a thorough beatdown — Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby combined for 188 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and the defense smothered the Crimson Tide offense — but Fernando Mendoza will draw ample praise for the poise, leadership and skill he displayed in this matchup. He completed 14-of-16 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns. The California transfer sets the tone by making timely plays in big spots.
If he can do that for another two games, Indiana football will accomplish something that felt impossible just a short while ago: win a national title. NFL scouts will salivate when Mendoza battles Oregon QB Dante Moore in the semis.
