Fernando Mendoza on precipice of national title after improbable journey to No. 1 Indiana

By MICHAEL MAROT

Fernando Mendoza arrived on Indiana’s campus from Cal last January carrying huge expectations for himself and the program.

Outsiders almost immediately dubbed the new, highly touted transfer as the quarterback who could lead Indiana’s football program to unprecedented heights. Some even suggested Mendoza could be a Heisman Trophy candidate and possibly the top prospect in the 2026 NFL draft.

But the grounded grandson of Cuban immigrants ignored the chatter...