Career Timeline of Fernando Mendoza: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Fernando Mendoza, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Fernando Gabriel Mendoza V is an American football quarterback who played college football for the California Golden Bears before transferring to the Indiana Hoosiers in 2025. At Indiana, he won the Heisman Trophy and a national championship. He is projected to be the number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2021: Led Team to State Semifinals

In 2021, Mendoza led his high school football team to an 11-3 record, advancing to the state semifinals versus Venice High School.

2022: Redshirted Season

In 2022, Mendoza redshirted during the season.

2023: First Career Start and Starting Quarterback

In 2023, Mendoza earned his first career start against Oregon State and was later named the team's starting quarterback.

December 11, 2024: Enters NCAA Transfer Portal

On December 11, 2024, Mendoza announced that he would be entering the NCAA transfer portal.

December 23, 2024: Transfer to Indiana University Bloomington

On December 23, 2024, Mendoza announced his decision to transfer to Indiana University Bloomington.

2025: Transfer to Indiana Hoosiers

In 2025, Fernando Mendoza transferred to the Indiana Hoosiers, where he would later win the Heisman Trophy and a national championship.

2025: Big Ten Championship Victory

In 2025, Mendoza led Indiana to a 13-10 victory against Ohio State, winning their first Big Ten title since 1967 and being named the game's MVP.

2025: Season Opener Win

In the 2025 season opener, Mendoza led Indiana to a 27-14 win against the Old Dominion Monarchs.

2026: Declares for NFL Draft

After the 2025 season, Mendoza announced that he would forego his final year of NCAA eligibility and declare for the 2026 NFL draft.

2026: Projected NFL Draft Pick

In 2026, Fernando Mendoza is widely projected to be the number one overall pick in the NFL draft.

2026: Rose Bowl Win

In 2026, Mendoza led Indiana to a 38-3 victory against Alabama in the Rose Bowl, marking their first bowl game win since 1991.

2026: National Championship Victory

In 2026, Mendoza led the Hoosiers to a 27-21 victory against the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship, securing the school's first-ever national title and receiving the Offensive Player of the Game award.