© Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza is married to the game.
In the past year, Mendoza has had a stellar season, including being named the Heisman Trophy winner and leading Indiana to a national championship.
The standout Indiana QB had to sacrifice a lot to get to the pinnacle of college football.
After winning the national championship, an old clip of Mendoza explaining why he doesn’t have a girlfriend went viral on social media.
“I don’t have time for a girlfriend.If I have one, I’d give her my all—from 6 to 9 PM hanging out, getting dinner—instead of grabbing food quick and watching extra film to reach the NFL.”
VIDEO: Fernando Mendoza talking about not having a girlfriend.
“I don’t have time for a girlfriend.If I have one, I’d give her my all—from 6 to 9 PM hanging out, getting dinner—instead of grabbing food quick and watching extra film to reach the NFL.”
— 𝗠𝗟𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 (@_MLFootball) January 22, 2026
It seems like Mendoza’s focus off the field is going to pay off because ESPN’s Mel Kiper has him going #1 overall in the 2026 NFL draft.
Via ESPN
“This is an easy one. The Raiders traded a third-round pick for Geno Smith less than a year ago, but it hasn’t worked out. He finished the 2025 season ranked 27th of 28 qualified passers in QBR (34.1), throwing 17 interceptions over 15 games. And with a new coach (to be determined) coming in, it’s time for a fresh start.”
“I see great ball placement on the tape, and he’s a no-brainer to begin Round 1. Las Vegas could start to build something offensively here with Mendoza, running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers.”