There were about 9:18 left in the 4th quarter of the CFP National Championship vs. Miami, Indiana faced a 4th-and-4 on Miami’s 12-yard line. Fernando Mendoza powered through the Miami defense, broke a couple of tackles, and kept his balance.

And then he stretched the ball out over the goal line, diving into the end zone for the touchdown. It was one of the most iconic plays of the season. Since then, the hype to see Mendoza in the NFL has never been higher.

He is predicted to be the number 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Let's take a look at him:

Who are the Parents of Fernando Mendoza?

The quarterback was born on October 1, 2003, to Fernando Mendoza Sr. and Elsa Mendoza. And it wouldn't be wrong to say that he absolutely loves both of them, especially his mother. He called her his inspiration after winning the Heisman Trophy.

“You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my life. You’re my why. You’ve always been my biggest supporter. Your sacrifices, courage, love, my first playbook, my playbook I’m going to carry through my side my entire life."

Elsa Mendoza played tennis at the University of Miami. But life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis about 18 years ago. It exacerbated about five years ago, when she was diagnosed with COVID-19.

Fernando Mendoza Sr. was also quite the athlete back in the day. He won a gold medal at the 1987 Junior World Rowing Championship and rowed at Brown University while studying biology.

He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine, completed his residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, and received a fellowship at Boston Medical Center.

Fernando Mendoza Sr. now serves as medical director at Nicklaus Children’s Health System in Miami. Does he also have other children?

Does Fernando Mendoza Have Siblings?

Yes, he does. The 2025 Heisman trophy winner has two younger brothers. The elder among them, Alberto Mendoza, is on the same path as his older brother, playing quarterback. He was Fernando Mendoza's backup at Indiana before moving to Georgia Tech.

The youngest of three, Max Mendoza, is more interested in the entertainment industry. "I like entertainment like Jimmy Fallon, morning shows," the 14-year-old said, explaining the type of television career he hopes to pursue.

Collegiate Records of Fernando Mendoza

Mendoza began his collegiate football career at California, where he played for the Golden Bears during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. After two years at California, he transferred to Indiana University and became the Hoosiers’ starting quarterback for the 2025 season. Take a look at his career totals:

Passing:

• Completions/Attempts: 691 / 1,008
• Yards: 8,247
• Touchdowns: 71
• Interceptions: 22
• Passer rating: 156.2

Rushing:

• Carries: 226
• Yards: 467
• Touchdowns: 11

In the 2025 season, Fernando Mendoza led the nation with 41 passing touchdowns and became the first player in Indiana history to win the Heisman Trophy. He also guided the Hoosiers to an undefeated season, capturing both the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Who Will Pick him in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Las Vegas Raiders have the number one pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and they are expected to pick Mendoza. Why? Because they desperately need a good quarterback. Geno Smith did not do well at all last season.

He had a passer rating of 84.7 with 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions in 15 games in 2025. Plus, Tom Brady, who owns a part of the Raiders, has said, "he's just a very mature young man. He's got a bright future."

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Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Kalp Thaker