It would have been a proud moment for the Mendozas to see Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza leading the team from the front in the College Football Playoff Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes.
Mendoza’s parents have become one of the feel-good stories of Indiana’s historic 2025 season. His father, Fernando Mendoza IV, stole the show with his reaction to a big moment. During a celebratory moment in the championship game, Fernando’s old man remained seated instead of jumping out of his seat. It wasn’t because he wasn’t happy, but according to The Athletic’s David Ubben, it was to make sure that his wife, Elsa Mendoza, who was in a wheelchair, could share those moments with him.
Elsa has suffered from multiple sclerosis for the better part of two decades.
Meanwhile, Fernando Mendoza continues to make waves with his play on the field. Indiana has a 27-21 lead with less than a minute remaining in the game. In the championship game, Mendoza has completed 16 of 27 passes for 186 yards. He scored a rushing touchdown as well.
Mendoza has given plenty of reasons to make his parents proud. He won the Heisman Trophy, was announced as the AP College Football Player of the Year, and won the Maxwell, Walter Camp, Davey O’Brien, and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors. He was also a first-team All-Big Ten selection. This comes after he led Indiana to unbeaten regular season, followed by winning the Big Ten Championship against the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Fernando Mendoza’s Mother Reacts To Indiana’s Big Ten Win
After Fernando Mendoza led the Hoosiers to a 13-10 win against Ohio State, Elsa expressed great pride for her son. She highlighted his work ethic and heart, saying:
“I’m so proud, so happy,” she said. “He deserves it all. He’s worked so hard. He doesn’t give up, and he does it for his teammates, his coaches, the fans—for everyone. For the love of the game, which is what makes him fantastic.”
In that game, Mendoza went 15-23 for 222 yards with one touchdown against one interception. It remains to be seen if Mendoza can keep the 27-21 lead intact till the end of the game against Miami to win the NCAA championship.
Read More News:
“Can’t Be Trusted”: Fans Unhappy With Carter Davis As Kicking Woes Continue
CFP Last Injury Report: Who’s In and Who’s Out as Indiana Battle Miami?
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
