At a Glance
- Indiana’s victory over Miami marked the first national championship for the Hoosiers since 1987, and it cemented Fernando Mendoza’s status as a future NFL star. The game, played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, saw Mendoza complete 19 of 30 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 32 yards on four carries.
- His performance earned him the game’s Most Valuable Player award and solidified his reputation for composure under pressure. The win also boosted the program’s national ranking, moving Indiana from fifth to first in the final AP Poll.
- For Mendoza, the championship was not just a personal triumph; it was a statement to scouts that he can dominate on the biggest stage. The celebration that followed was intense, with the team marching through the streets of Indianapolis and the fans chanting ‘Mendoza! Mendoza!’ for hours.
- After the game, Mendoza addressed the media, saying he felt ‘a deep sense of gratitude’ for his teammates and coaching staff. He also mentioned the support of his family, who had traveled from California to Indianapolis. The victory was a culmination of years of hard work, and Mendoza said he hopes the team’s success will inspire younger players in the Indiana region.
Introduction
After the Indiana Hoosiers clinched a 27-21 win over the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 19, 2026, quarterback Fernando Mendoza found himself in the spotlight again-this time for his candid thoughts on dating in college. The 22-year-old, who is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, recently shared a July 2024 interview that went viral. His message is clear: he will prioritize his football career over a romantic relationship while he is still in college.
Interview Details
The July 2024 interview, originally posted by user TonyBandz, captured Mendoza in a candid moment before a practice session at the University of California, Berkeley. He explained that his training schedule was so demanding that adding a romantic relationship would create ‘distractions’ he could not afford.
‘I know myself,’ he said, ‘and I can make it to the NFL if I have a really, really good next two years.’ He emphasized that he would need to limit all distractions to focus on improving his arm strength, route running, and game-planning.
Mendoza also noted that he lives a three-minute walk from the training facility, a detail he said was ‘very important’ to him because it allowed him to train without interruption. The clip was later shared widely on social media, and many viewers praised his discipline and commitment.
He added that a girlfriend would force him to change his routine, such as staying up later to eat dinner together instead of watching extra film for the game week. ‘That means, I’m gonna go back from 6 to 9 p.m. just to hang out with her,’ he explained, ‘rather than maybe picking up dinner on the way back from class and watching extra film for the game week.’
Focus on NFL
Mendoza’s decision reflects a long-term strategy that many top prospects adopt before entering the NFL. He said he would ‘give everything my all,’ and that a girlfriend would prevent him from training as hard as he wants.
He explained that his current routine involves staying up until 9 p.m. to review film and practice drills, and he believes that any deviation would compromise his preparation. ‘I might find my first love in college,’ he said, ‘but I’m going to give everything my all, so if I have a girlfriend, I’m going to give her my all.’
He also highlighted that his training regimen includes daily strength sessions, precision passing drills, and film study, all of which demand consistent hours. By keeping his personal life strictly separate, he believes he can maintain peak performance levels and avoid the emotional fluctuations that might arise from a relationship.
Mendoza’s comments prompted discussions about balancing life and aspirations. Some fans expressed admiration for ambition, while others wondered if the lack of a romantic partner might affect mental well-being. The sentiment remained with expressing confidence that focus would pay off in the NFL draft.
Fan and Family Reaction
After the championship, Mendoza shared an emotional moment with his parents, Elsa and Fernando, that touched fans. He also had his brothers, Alberto and Max, in Miami to support the Hoosiers. Elsa described the moment as ‘so overwhelming’ while speaking to The Sporting Tribune after the win.
“I don’t even know what I’m feeling. It’s like a numbness,” she told the outlet. “Every hug with him, I know that sounds so cliché, but this is just so special because I know how bad he wanted it and how hard he worked to get here.”
Fans watching the broadcast could see the joy as the family embraced each other, with Elsa wiping tears. The scene underscored how the team’s success resonated with Mendoza, reinforcing narrative of perseverance and support.
The moment also showcased the deep bond between Mendoza and his family, illustrating how personal triumphs fuel professional ambition for the future.
Takeaways
Key takeaways: Mendoza prioritizes NFL prospects over romance, citing distraction concerns. Fans applaud his focus, while family moments highlight the personal cost of championship success. The story underscores the tension between athletic ambition and personal relationships for elite athletes.
