Fernando Mendoza delivered another efficient performance as Indiana cruised to a lopsided 38–3 win over Alabama in the CFP quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl. With that, in the semifinal, Indiana will face a Big Ten opponent they already defeated 30–20 during the regular season. Yet the Indiana QB expressed some concern.

“I think the first time I heard that Oregon one, it’s got locked into the game,” said Mendoza when asked about his early thoughts on a rematch with Oregon. “However, Oregon is a fantastic, big 10 opponent. We went over there, and it’s really hard to beat a team twice.

“Oregon’s Dante Moore, you know, Dan Lanning, and their team has a coordinator, Lupoi. Look, Boy, those guys are legit. And so this would be a great matchup. Can’t wait to play some good football against that great matchup.”

Mendoza’s words made it clear that Oregon’s regular-season loss helped Indiana realize just how strong the Ducks are on both sides of the ball. In particular, Oregon’s defense under Tosh Lupoi is expected to present serious challenges in the rematch.

In short, despite an unbeaten season, the Hoosiers can’t afford to take this rematch lightly. That’s because the Ducks are still guided by Lupoi, who will join Cal as head coach after this season.

Under his guidance in the regular-season game against IU, Oregon’s defense showed flashes of brilliance, even in defeat. They held Indiana to just 326 total yards and forced an interception, with Brandon Finney Jr. turning one into a 35-yard pick-six to tie the game at 20–20.

While seven of Indiana’s 30 points came off a short field after an Oregon turnover, highlighting how even small mistakes can swing momentum, the Ducks kept fighting, but Indiana answered with a methodical 12-play, 75-yard TD drive that ate up over six minutes and sealed the lead.

Despite the loss, Oregon’s defense proved it could dominate and make game-changing plays; that’s why Mendoza’s view of a rematch with the Ducks signals caution, acknowledging that the semifinal won’t be easy.

While it seems like a locker-room warning for Indiana, Fernando Mendoza remains confident but realistic, and there’s plenty of reason to back that up. Obviously, there is no doubt about the talent of the 2025 Heisman winner, but you can’t ignore the fact that Oregon’s only loss this season came against the Hoosiers.

Considering that, Dan Lanning’s squad seems even more prepared to make history, as they have yet to win a national title despite multiple CFP appearances.

And it wasn’t just the defense; Oregon’s offense also made plays against the Hoosiers.

For the Ducks, Dante Moore battled through pressure, completing 21 of 34 passes for 186 yards and a touchdown, while Brandon Finney Jr. delivered a highlight with a pick-six, turning one of those interceptions into a TD. Despite the flashes, Oregon couldn’t overcome Indiana’s balanced attack and smothering defense.

Against the Ducks, Fernando Mendoza led the way for Indiana, throwing for 215 yards and a TD. Roman Hemby powered in two rushing scores, while Elijah Sarratt was a force in the air, hauling in eight catches for 121 yards. Then, IU’s defense set the tone, keeping Oregon’s offense in check and forcing two crucial interceptions.

Still, Oregon is coming off two CFP wins—first against JMU and then a 23–0 shutout of Texas Tech, showing their growth has reached another level. Given that, Mendoza’s warning to his team makes sense. But the IU quarterback’s rise is truly turning heads.

Fernando Mendoza’s rise reads like a storybook

Ranked No. 2,149 nationally out of high school, overlooked by nearly every major program, the Miami native is now CFB’s No. 1 QB and a projected top NFL draft pick.

“It’s a huge point of pride,” said Mendoza. “I’m extremely grateful for all the hardship my grandparents went through to give us this life.”

From endless cold calls to coaches to six-hour drives for workouts, Mendoza’s journey was defined by grit and a fire sparked by family sacrifice. High school was just the beginning.

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Under trainer Antonio Robinson, Mendoza endured brutal workouts, 15 straight 100-meter sprints with minimal rest, and never flinched.

Robinson knew then: “He’s just built different. This kid’s going to play in the NFL.”

At Christopher Columbus High, Mendoza combined leadership, intellect, and an arm that could make defenses tremble. Then, college brought new challenges, but Mendoza never wavered.

Ignored by top programs and sidelined by COVID, he made his mark at Cal before transferring to Indiana, chasing opportunity alongside his younger brother.

On the field, he delivered clutch moments and game-winning TDs against PSU, OSU, and Iowa. Now, from No. 2,149 to the Heisman stage, Mendoza didn’t just beat the odds; he redefined them.