Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Receive Bad News on Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Nov 15, 2025 11:37 AM ET

No. 2 Indiana has opened the 2025 season in remarkable form, entering Week 12 with a 10-0 record and sitting on the edge of an unprecedented regular-season finish. A team that began the year with modest expectations has turned into one of the Big Ten’s biggest surprises, powered by the steady play of quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

The junior has completed 181 of 254 passes (71.3 percent) for 2,342 yards with 26 touchdowns and just five interceptions, elevating Indiana’s offense into one of the league’s most efficient units. With only two games left, momentum is firmly on the Hoosiers' side as they prepare to host a struggling Wisconsin Badgers team sitting at 3-6.

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15).Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Indiana is heavily favored, but the Hoosiers may have to square off against the Badgers without one of their most important players.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that wide receiver Elijah Sarratt is doubtful for Saturday's matchup due to a hamstring injury. The star playmaker, who was injured against the Maryland Terrapins and missed last week’s win over the Penn State Nittany Lions, is expected to return after Indiana’s upcoming bye, with hopes he will be available for the rivalry game against Purdue on Nov. 28.

The news is a significant setback for Indiana’s offense and for Mendoza, who has relied heavily on Sarratt’s consistency this season.

Sources: Indiana star wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (hamstring) is doubtful today against Wisconsin. With Indiana having a bye next week, he’s on track for a return against Purdue on Nov. 28. Sarratt injured the hamstring against Maryland and missed the Penn State game last week.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 15, 2025

Sarratt has hauled in 45 receptions for 609 yards and 10 touchdowns, tying him with Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith for the Big Ten lead in scoring catches. The junior, who earned third-team All-Big Ten honors last season, has become Indiana’s most dependable receiving threat — making his absence especially concerning. Without him, Mendoza and the Hoosiers will turn to Omar Cooper Jr. and E.J. Williams Jr. to carry a larger load, while the tight ends and running backs are expected to play a more prominent role in the passing game.

Indiana will still enter as the favorite, but the offense faces a real challenge adapting to life without its top target. Kickoff is set for noon ET at Memorial Stadium, with the game airing on Big Ten Network.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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