Fernando Mendoza, the standout quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers, just wrapped up his Heisman Trophy-winning season with numbers that have NFL scouts buzzing. Now, as he gets ready for a high-stakes College Football Playoff showdown against No. 9 Alabama in the Rose Bowl, Mendoza isn’t just thinking about a national title—he’s also making moves off the field with a new NIL partnership.
This blog post takes a look at Mendoza’s wild season, his latest endorsement deal, and what it might mean for his future.
Fernando Mendoza’s Stellar Season
Mendoza’s season has been one for the books. He led the Indiana Hoosiers to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.
The redshirt junior has been the engine behind one of college football’s most explosive offenses. The Hoosiers are fourth nationally in scoring, averaging 41.9 points per game, and eighth in total offense with 472.8 yards each contest.
Impressive Statistics
Over 13 games, Mendoza’s stat line is pretty wild:
- 226 completions on 316 attempts for 2,980 yards
- 33 touchdowns and six interceptions
- Passer rating of 181.4
- 240 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns on 69 carries
Those numbers earned him the Heisman Trophy and locked him in as a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN’s Mel Kiper even has him projected as the No. 2 overall prospect, so yeah, this might be his last ride in college.
College Football Playoff Showdown
The Indiana Hoosiers are about to face off against No. 9 Alabama in the Rose Bowl. It’s a huge moment for the program—first-round bye and all that—so there’s a lot riding on Mendoza’s shoulders.
Offensive Powerhouse
The Hoosiers’ offense, with Mendoza at the helm, has been a nightmare for defenses. They score fast and don’t waste opportunities.
Heading into the Alabama game, keeping that offensive edge is going to be everything.
NIL Partnership with Royal Canin
Mendoza isn’t just making headlines on Saturdays. Off the field, he’s adding another big brand to his list with a new NIL partnership with Royal Canin, the pet nutrition company.
He’s already worked with Keurig, Axia Time, Dr Pepper, Adidas, and Epic Games, so this just adds another layer to his growing portfolio.
Expanding His Brand
On Instagram, Mendoza talked about teaming up with Royal Canin to celebrate how dogs are the MVPs of our lives—tying in with the American Kennel Club National Championship.
His NIL valuation is sitting at $2.6 million, which puts him near the top among college athletes. Not bad for a guy who’s still in school.
Future Prospects
With a Heisman Trophy and a likely early selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza’s future looks pretty bright. Balancing the spotlight, the business, and the game isn’t easy, but he seems to handle it all.
Preparing for the NFL
As the Playoff approaches, Mendoza’s also looking ahead to the next chapter. NFL scouts will be watching his Rose Bowl performance closely, and a big game could push his draft stock even higher.
Fernando Mendoza’s season has really shown what he’s made of—talent, grit, and a knack for leading when it counts.
He’s gearing up for the College Football Playoff, and honestly, it’s hard not to wonder what he’ll pull off next. With the NFL on his radar, Mendoza’s new NIL deal with Royal Canin is just another sign that he’s thriving both on the field and off.
If you’re curious about the full story or want the scoop on his upcoming face-off with Alabama, check out The Big Lead.
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