History of Fernando Mendoza in Timeline

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

1959: Grandparents Moved to Miami

In 1959, Mendoza's grandparents moved from Cuba to Miami after the Cuban Revolution.

1967: Indiana's Last Big Ten Title

In 1967, prior to Mendoza's performance in 2025, Indiana last won the Big Ten title.

1991: Indiana's Last Bowl Game Win

In 1991, prior to Mendoza leading the team to victory in 2026, Indiana last won a bowl game.

October 1, 2003: Fernando Mendoza's Birth

On October 1, 2003, Fernando Gabriel Mendoza V was born. He is an American football quarterback.

2016: Cal Quarterback Passing Attempts Record

In 2016, it was noted that Mendoza's 56 passing attempts against Wake Forest were the most by a Cal quarterback since 2016.

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: Awards and Honors for 2025 Season

For the 2025 season, Mendoza received numerous awards, including AP College Football Player of the Year, Chicago Tribune Silver Football, Walter Camp Player of the Year, Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien Award, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Big Ten Quarterback of the Year, first-team All-Big Ten, and the Heisman Trophy. He was also the first player in Indiana school history to win the Heisman Trophy.

2025: Graduation from Berkeley

In 2025, Fernando Mendoza graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from Berkeley's Haas School of Business.

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: Heisman Trophy Acceptance Speech

In 2025, Mendoza delivered portions of his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech in Spanish to honor his family, emphasizing the importance of Hispanic family culture.

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: Interview with Peegs.com

In a 2025 interview with Peegs.com, Mendoza discussed his Cuban heritage and its impact on his and his brother's passion for football.

2025: Season Opener Win

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

January 2026: Brother Transfers to Georgia Tech

In January 2026, Fernando Mendoza's younger brother, Alberto, who was the backup quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers, transferred to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

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.