Fernando Mendoza, the star quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers, hasn’t just led his team to an undefeated season—he’s also landed a pretty lucrative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal. His transfer from Cal to Indiana University on December 23, 2024, kicked off a wild ride that saw him win the Heisman Trophy, the Big Ten Championship, and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.
Let’s dig into the details of Mendoza’s NIL deal, his achievements on the field, and a bit about what he’s up to off the turf.
Fernando Mendoza’s NIL Deal: A Financial Powerhouse
Mendoza’s NIL portfolio is worth a hefty $2.6 million as of January 2026. That puts him in the top five among college football players for NIL value this season.
Earlier in the year, his valuation was $1.6 million, but his undefeated run with the Hoosiers really sent those numbers soaring.
Top 5 Highest-Valued College Football Players
On3’s research ranks Mendoza fifth in college football and seventh overall in its NIL 100. The players ahead of him?
- Arch Manning, Texas: $5.3 million
- Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State: $4.2 million
- Carson Beck, Miami: $3.1 million
- Bryce Underwood, Michigan: $3 million
Key Partnerships: Adidas and “Mendoza Mania”
There are two main partnerships fueling Mendoza’s NIL success: Adidas and “Mendoza Mania.” In early December, Mendoza shared on LinkedIn that he was joining Adidas.
He thanked his supporters and said he was excited to bring his passion for sport, leadership, and work ethic to the brand. You could hear the genuine excitement in his words—he’s not just reading from a script.
“Mendoza Mania”: A Family Affair
“Mendoza Mania” is a collaboration with his brother Alberto, who’s Indiana’s backup quarterback. The collection is up on the Indiana NIL Store, with a portion of every sale going to the National MS Society in honor of their mom’s fight against Multiple Sclerosis.
On-Field Achievements: A Season to Remember
Mendoza’s on-field achievements? Honestly, they’re pretty wild. The 2025-26 season saw the Hoosiers take home the Big Ten Championship and earn a shot at the College Football Championship game.
He also became the first Indiana Hoosiers player to win the Heisman Trophy. That’s a milestone that’ll be tough to top.
Quotes That Inspire
Mendoza isn’t just about stats; he’s got a knack for memorable postgame quotes. After Indiana beat the Oregon Ducks on January 9, he talked about delayed gratification, drawing on stoicism and the value of discipline, preparation, and follow-through.
After the Rose Bowl win over Alabama, Mendoza spoke about the team’s unity and the need to avoid complacency, especially after a bye week. Fans and reporters seem to love the way he puts things—there’s something refreshing about his honesty.
Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright for Fernando Mendoza
Fernando Mendoza’s journey from Cal to Indiana University has been pretty remarkable. His on-field achievements stand out, and those lucrative NIL deals? They’ve helped make him one of the most talked-about names in college football.
Want more on Mendoza’s NIL deal or his time with the Indiana Hoosiers? Check out Heavy Sports.
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