The debate between Dante Moore and Fernando Mendoza has college football fans buzzing as Oregon and Indiana gear up for the College Football Playoff semifinals at the Peach Bowl. Both quarterbacks have put up stellar numbers this season, setting the stage for a showdown that’s hard to ignore.
This article digs into their stats, achievements, and what might be ahead, stacking up why these two stand out among the nation’s best.
Season Performance: A Statistical Breakdown
Dante Moore and Fernando Mendoza have each had seasons that, frankly, most quarterbacks would envy. Moore posted 3,280 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2025, finishing with a 72.4% completion rate.
That ties him for No. 3 in the FBS for completion rate and No. 8 for touchdowns. Mendoza, meanwhile, topped the FBS in touchdowns and passer rating, racking up 3,172 passing yards and 36 touchdowns.
His play earned him the Heisman Trophy, which is a pretty big deal.
Dante Moore’s Journey
Moore’s story started at UCLA, where he got thrown into the fire as a true freshman in 2023, starting five games. He managed 1,610 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions that year.
After transferring to Oregon, he redshirted his first season, appearing in five games and completing 87.5% of his passes for 49 yards. His development at Oregon has been obvious, and 2025 has been his breakout year.
Fernando Mendoza’s Rise
Mendoza’s path went through California, where he redshirted in 2022 before taking over as starter in 2023 and 2024. Across his Cal career, he threw for 4,712 yards with 30 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
Transferring to Indiana turned out to be a game-changer. He led the Hoosiers to a big season and picked up the Heisman Trophy along the way.
Mendoza also landed in the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Top Five and was a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien, Maxwell, and Walter Camp awards.
NIL Valuations and Endorsements
In the NIL era, both Moore and Mendoza have cashed in with some hefty endorsement deals. On3 puts Moore’s NIL valuation at $2.3 million, ranking him No. 13 nationally.
He’s got partnerships with Nike, Beats by Dre, eBay, and Leaf Trading Cards. Mendoza’s valuation is even higher at $2.6 million, placing him No. 9 in the country.
His deals include Adidas, Dr Pepper, Keurig, T-Mobile, Rent-A-Center, Epic Games, and Royal Canin.
Moore’s Endorsement Highlights
Moore’s deal with Nike stands out, especially his tie-in with Oregon’s “Grateful Dead” collection. That’s given him a serious boost in visibility and, let’s be honest, cool factor.
His partnerships with Beats by Dre, eBay, and Leaf Trading Cards have padded his reputation and his bank account.
Mendoza’s Endorsement Highlights
Mendoza’s endorsement roster is just as impressive. Working with Adidas and other big brands has pushed his market value up fast.
He even launched a “Mendoza Mania” merch line through the Indiana NIL Store, donating a chunk of the proceeds to the National MS Society for his mom. That’s not just smart marketing—it shows some heart.
Academic Achievements
It’s not all about football. Mendoza pulled off a 4.86 weighted GPA on a 5.0 scale in high school and graduated from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business with a 3.4 GPA.
Moore had a 3.74 weighted GPA in high school, though his college GPA isn’t public. Still, both guys have shown they can handle the grind off the field too.
Mendoza’s Academic Path
Mendoza’s academic resume is stacked. Graduating from Berkeley’s Haas School of Business with a 3.4 GPA is no joke.
His 4.86 GPA in high school just adds to the story—he’s got brains and drive.
Moore’s Academic Path
Moore’s college grades are under wraps, but a high school GPA of 3.74 is solid. Balancing football and school isn’t easy, and Moore’s track record suggests he’s up to the task.
Future Prospects
With the College Football Playoff semifinals coming up, everyone’s wondering where Moore and Mendoza go from here. Their next moves could be huge for their draft stock and pro futures.
Moore’s NFL Potential
Moore’s stats—and that completion rate—make him an intriguing NFL prospect. He’s shown he can handle pressure at both UCLA and Oregon.
Scouts will be watching to see how he deals with the Peach Bowl spotlight. It should be interesting.
Mendoza’s NFL Potential
Mendoza’s Heisman-winning season has definitely caught the attention of NFL teams. His leadership skills stand out.
He led the FBS in touchdowns and passer rating, which really shows off his talent and calm under pressure. There’s something about the way he commands the field that’s hard to ignore.
On top of that, his time at both California and Indiana has shaped him into a more complete player. That mix of experience could be a real asset when he goes pro.
If you’re curious about more stats or want to dig into their backgrounds, check out the original article on Pro Football Network.
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