Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza ranked inside top ten transfers to watch
After a historic 2024 season, there is a newfound excitement and higher expectations surrounding Indiana football.
With several key players leaving after the season, Curt Cignetti and Indiana needed to reload ahead of the 2025 season.
Cignetti added several key transfers for the 2025 season, but none more important than former Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
After two years as a starter at Cal, Mendoza entered the portal ranked as the No. 20 overall player in the On3 Industry rankings and the No. 4 quarterback.
Indiana lost star quarterback Kurtis Rourke after one season, during which he led Indiana to its winningest season in program history.
Despite Rourke leaving, many experts believe Indiana could be even better this season with Mendoza under center.
The hype surrounding the talented transfer continues to grow as he was just named as the 3rd ranked transfer to watch for in 2025 by ESPN.
“Indiana coach Curt Cignetti worked wonders with veteran transfer Kurtis Rourke leading his offense in 2024. If Mendoza can enjoy similar success, he could become a first-round pick next year,” Max Olson wrote.
Cignetti has a proven track record developing the quarterback position. Each of the last three seasons, Cignetti has had a different quarterback and all three were extremely successful.
Despite that, there is an argument to be made that Mendoza is the most talented quarterback Cignetti has coached.
Top 10
- 1New
Top 25 College QBs
Ranking best '25 signal callers
- 2
Top 25 Defensive Lines
Ranking the best for 2025
- 3
Big Ten Football
Predicting 1st loss for each team
- 4Hot
College Football Playoff
Ranking Top 32 teams for 2025
- 5Trending
Tim Brando
Ranks Top 15 CFB teams for 2025
Get the Daily On3 Newsletter in your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
Not only has Mendoza started at the power-four level, but he was extremely successful at Cal despite issues on the offensive line.
“Mendoza, a 19-game starter at Cal, threw for 3,004 yards on 69% passing last season while playing behind a line that surrendered the most sacks in FBS,” Olson said.
“After earning a CFP bid in Cignetti’s debut season, the Hoosiers couldn’t have found a better QB to keep them in the Big Ten race in Year 2.”
Mendoza’s combination of arm talent and mobility will make him a dynamic threat for the Indiana offense.
“He’s a big guy. He’s got good movement, quick release, and can make all the throws,” Cignetti said on Always College Football with Greg McElroy. “He’s accurate also and throws the ball on the run really well.”
Cignetti has shared that the Indiana offense will adjust to reflect Mendoza’s skill set in 2025.
With more quarterback-designed runs it adds another element to the Indiana offense that defenses have to prepare for.
While many expected Indiana to take a step back after last year’s run, Mendoza will give the Hoosiers a great opportunity to return to the College Football Playoff in 2025.
Not yet a member of TheHoosier? Take advantage of our launch with On3 and join our community! Just $1 for your FIRST MONTH and then 50% off the rest of your FIRST YEAR! Join here.
