Fernando Mendoza’s remarkable journey to college football’s pinnacle has culminated not only in a Heisman Trophy but also in a significant endorsement deal with adidas. Shortly after clinching college football’s most prestigious individual award, the athletic apparel giant released a video paying tribute to the quarterback’s stellar season and his now-iconic pronouncements.
The tribute specifically highlighted Mendoza’s viral quote following the Big Ten Championship game. In a post-game interview with FOX Sports’ Jenny Taft, the Indiana Hoosiers’ star quarterback declared with unbridled enthusiasm, “The Hoosiers are flippin’ champs.” This moment, encapsulating his team’s triumphant victory and his own burgeoning stardom, became a rallying cry and a symbol of the Hoosiers’ unexpected success.
Throughout the year, Mendoza transcended the role of a standout player to become one of the most recognizable figures in collegiate sports. His Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) valuation has soared to an impressive $2.6 million, a testament to his on-field performance and marketability, as Indiana prepares to enter the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 seed.
The partnership with adidas was officially announced just prior to Indiana’s pivotal matchup against Ohio State in Indianapolis. Mendoza’s deal with the Three Stripes positions him among an elite cadre of college football stars who have also aligned with the brand. Notable among these are Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, underscoring adidas’ commitment to investing in the future of the sport’s emerging talent.
“Excited to share that I’ve accepted an opportunity to join adidas!” Mendoza shared on LinkedIn, expressing his gratitude for the support he has received. “I’m very grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way and excited to bring my passion for sport, leadership, and work ethic to the Three Stripes. Let’s get to work.”
Mendoza’s Heisman-Worthy Season
Mendoza’s path to the Heisman Trophy was paved with exceptional statistics and leadership. He led the nation in touchdown passes with 33, while demonstrating remarkable accuracy, completing 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards. Crucially, his decision-making was superb, throwing only six interceptions throughout the season.
His $2.6 million NIL valuation places him firmly within the upper echelon of collegiate athletes. This valuation ranks him No. 5 in college football and No. 7 in the NIL 100, a comprehensive ranking that identifies and assesses the top 100 high school and college athletes based on their NIL potential.
The Heisman Trophy race saw Mendoza edge out Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. Mendoza secured a commanding victory, garnering 643 first-place votes and a total of 2,362 points. Pavia, while a strong contender, received 189 first-place votes and 1,435 points. This triumph marks a significant milestone in what has been a truly special season for Mendoza, a former Cal star who was instrumental in leading Indiana to its first outright Big Ten title since 1945.
A Message of Inspiration
Following the announcement of his Heisman win, Mendoza delivered a powerful and emotional speech that resonated far beyond the confines of the award ceremony. He addressed aspiring young athletes who might feel overlooked or undervalued, offering a message of profound encouragement.
“The truth is, you don’t need the most stars, hype or rankings,” Mendoza stated, emphasizing that external validation is not the sole determinant of success. “You just need discipline, heart and people who believe in you. And you need to believe in your own abilities.”
He continued, hoping his journey would serve as a beacon of inspiration. “I hope this moment shows you that chasing your dreams are worth it, no matter how big or impossible they seem.” His words underscore the importance of internal fortitude and unwavering self-belief in the pursuit of ambitious goals.