Fernando Mendoza named ‘X-Factor’ for Indiana Football
After a historic 2024 season, Indiana football heads into the 2025 season with high expectations.
Cal transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be critical to reaching the Hoosiers’ lofty goals, as he was named the ‘X-Factor’ for Indiana by ESPN college football reporter Eli Lederman.
“Among all the variables that could potentially lift — or let down — the Hoosiers’ in Year 2 under coach Curt Cignetti, none feel more important than [Mendoza],” Lederman said.
In 11 games last season, Mendoza passed for 3,004 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just six interceptions while leading Cal to a 6-5 record.
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He showcased great accuracy as he completed 68.7% of his passes, which ranked 12th in the nation among QBs with at least 100 attempts.
“Mendoza has big shoes to fill after Kurtis Rourke motored Indiana’s record-setting offense to the nation’s second-best points per game tally (41.3) in 2024,” Lederman said. “But Mendoza should be playing behind a sturdier offensive line in 2025, and there are plenty of playmakers within an intriguing Hoosiers skill position group led by veteran receiver Elijah Sarratt.
Mendoza played behind a struggling offensive line at Cal, which allowed the most sacks in the FBS.
As a result of the offensive line struggles, Mendoza displayed his combination of athleticism and arm talent as he was forced to create outside of the pocket.
Indiana made a point of emphasis to improve that unit by adding Pat Coogan, Kahlil Benson, and Zen Michalski in the transfer portal.
Those three additions, alongside returning starters led by standout left tackle Carter Smith, will give Mendoza some stability up front.
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On the outside, Mendoza will have a talented receiving core led by Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr, who were the top two receivers on Indiana’s playoff team a season ago.
Mendoza will also have the luxury of playing in an extremely quarterback-friendly offense.
He will be the fourth quarterback to start under Cignetti in as many years, with the previous three all finding a ton of success.
There is an argument that Mendoza is the most talented quarterback to play under Cignetti, as he has found success in the Power Four despite a less-than-ideal situation around him at Cal.
While Mendoza was good last season, taking that next step will go a long way in deciding the fate of Indiana next season.
“If Mendoza can find another gear operating a more favorable situation this fall, it could go a long way toward pulling Indiana back into playoff contention,” Lederman said.
With a much better situation this fall, the sky is the limit for Mendoza as he looks to lead Indiana back to the College Football Playoff.
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