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Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza Announces Career News Amid College Football Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Dec 12, 2025 3:18 PM ET

The Indiana Hoosiers have secured the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. It came after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes 13-10 in the Big Ten Championship Game.

At 13-0, much of the team's success can be credited to quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who has been named a Heisman Trophy finalist. He's completed 226-of-316 passes for 2,980 yards, 33 touchdowns, six interceptions and a 181.4 passer rating.

He now leads Indiana into its second College Football Playoff berth, with hopes of winning the program's first national championship. They're set to play either the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners or No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl.

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15).Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Amid the Hoosiers' dominance, the redshirt junior has capitalized on a handful of Name, Image and Likeness opportunities. On Friday, in a joint post with Indiana and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., Mendoza announced a new partnership with Epic Games.

"'Droppin’ into Chapter 7 at The Rock #EpicPartner #HeisMendoza," the Instagram post's caption read. He and Cooper are shown playing Fortnite on the Jumbotron at Memorial Stadium.

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On3 places Mendoza's NIL valuation at $2.6 million, which is the fifth highest of any college football player. The next closest for anyone on the Hoosiers is offensive tackle Carter Smith ($1.2 million).

Epic Games joins a growing list of companies partnering with the quarterback. He's previously announced deals with Adidas, JLab Audio, and T-Mobile.

Mendoza is widely considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. That means he likely doesn't have much time to continue capitalizing on NIL opportunities while playing for Indiana.

After announcing his latest deal, though he and the Hoosiers remain focused on the Rose Bowl. Kickoff is Jan. 1 at 4 p.m. ET at the Rose Bowl, airing on ESPN.

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

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