On January 19, 2026, at 6:05 a.m. ET, Fernando Mendoza has left a significant impact on the Indiana football program, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming national championship game against Miami. After transferring from Cal last offseason, Mendoza has amassed impressive statistics, throwing for 3,349 yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, while also contributing 284 rushing yards and six touchdowns. His performance has peaked in the College Football Playoff, where he remarkably threw eight touchdowns with just five incompletions in decisive victories against Alabama and Oregon.
Mendoza’s achievements culminated in December when he was awarded the prestigious Heisman Trophy, marking him as Indiana’s first recipient of this esteemed honor since the award’s inception. As the Hoosiers prepare for their national championship clash, there is a bittersweet acknowledgment that this game may be Mendoza’s final appearance in college football. He is widely projected to be the top overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, leading to uncertainty for Indiana regarding its quarterback position moving forward.
As attention shifts to the future, Indiana is expected to turn to Josh Hoover, a transfer from TCU, as its next starting quarterback. Hoover has had a commendable career at TCU, where he started for three seasons and put up substantial numbers, including completing 65.9% of his passes for 3,472 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in the 2025 season. His arrival signifies the Hoosiers’ continued strategy of integrating transfers into their lineup, marking it the third consecutive season Indiana has done so at the quarterback position.
Hoover, who stands at 6-foot-2 and is recognized as one of the top quarterbacks available in the transfer portal, will have one season of eligibility remaining. Throughout his college career, he has amassed a total of 9,629 passing yards, 71 touchdowns, and 33 interceptions, while maintaining a completion rate of 65.2%.
In addition to Hoover, Indiana retains four other quarterbacks, including Mendoza’s younger brother, Alberto Mendoza. As a redshirt senior, Grant Wilson is expected to conclude his college eligibility this season. Freshmen Jacob Bell and Maverick Geske represent the younger talent on the roster, while Alberto Mendoza has emerged as a capable backup, compiling a solid resume in limited game time this season.
As the team looks ahead, they are optimistic about the potential for continuing their upward trajectory in college football, leveraging the depth and talent they have cultivated through strategic recruiting and transfers. The Hoosiers aim to maintain their competitive edge while integrating new talent, allowing them to remain a formidable force in the coming seasons.