In hindsight, Indiana needed quarterback Fernando Mendoza, and Mendoza needed the Hoosiers. It couldn’t have happened any other way. Mendoza’s gregarious public image provided a perfect contrast to coach Curt Cignetti’s stoicism, and transformed both men into household names in college football’s most memorable championship season.
However, Mendoza going from California to Indiana for the 2025 season was not a given. In February, the now-Raiders quarterback said he was very close to calling Georgia coach Kirby Smart to commit to play for him in Dec. 2024. The Bulldogs won the SEC and played in the Sugar Bowl, but watched Mendoza win the national title from their couches.
