The South Florida star will face South Florida’s most popular college team with a national title on the line.
Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback (and Miami native) Fernando Mendoza threw five touchdown passes in leading No. 1-ranked Indiana to a 56-22 annihilation of Oregon in Friday night’s Peach Bowl, securing a spot in the national championship against Miami. The Hurricanes punched their ticket with a 31-27 win Thursday night over Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl.
Mendoza went 17 for 20 for 177 yards and tacked on 28 rushing yards, and the Hoosiers, who had a first-round bye, have outscored Alabama and Oregon in the College Football Playoff by a combined 94-25.
Mendoza, a Miami Columbus High alumnus, shares an alma mater with UM coach Mario Cristobal. The Hurricanes coach played football with Mendoza’s father in high school.
After the game, Mendoza exclaimed on the TV broadcast: “We’re going back to the 305!”
Mendoza’s Cinderella story has been one of the most talked-about stories in college football this year. An untouted recruit out of high school, Mendoza was originally planning to go to Yale before signing with Cal. After two seasons with the Golden Bears — which included a close 2024 loss to Miami — Mendoza transferred to Indiana. The Hoosiers were coming off a trip to the 2024 College Football Playoff.
Mendoza became a star at Indiana. Entering Friday’s game, he had 3,172 passing yards with 36 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He led the Hoosiers to their first Big Ten title since 1967 with a win over Ohio State in the conference title game.
But Mendoza is not the only standout player the Hoosiers have. Running back Roman Hemby entered Friday’s game with 1,007 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, and fellow running back Kaelon Black had 898 yards and eight scores.
Wide receivers Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper both have double-digit touchdowns, helping the nation’s No. 3 offense go.
The Hoosiers have a strong defense, as well. They entered Friday allowing just 10.3 points per game, which was second in the nation.
Indiana, who had three sacks against the Ducks, entered Friday’s game with 42 sacks, which was fifth in the nation. Linebacker Rolijah Hardy leads the team with eight quarterback takedowns. They also excel at taking the ball away from opponents, and defensive back Louis Moore leads the team with six interceptions.