A resurfaced video may have revealed how Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza managed to stay locked in through the 2025 season as he led the Hoosiers to, maybe, the most improbable national championship in college football history.
In the video, recorded in 2024 while he was playing at the University of California, Mendoza, 22, said he wasn’t interested in the distractions that come with dating.
“I know myself and I know that [college] is such a short period of time that, if I have a really, really good next year or next two years, I can make it to the NFL and I believe I will make it to the NFL,” he explained in the clip, originally shared via Instagram by wristband and headband company Tony Bandz.
Mendoza continued, “However at this point I have to limit all distractions. I live a three-minute walk from the facility where we have our weight room, our practice facility and our stadium. I think that’s very important living close – especially with the girls, it can be very distracting. You might find your first love in college.”
Mendoza began his collegiate career at Cal in 2022, where he played for three seasons before transferring to Indiana.
The Heisman Trophy winner quickly became one of the most beloved characters in college football in the 2025 season, thanks to a combination of his skill, passion for the game, sense of humor and family. (His mom, Elsa, has multiple sclerosis and was a frequent presence at his games this season.)
“I’m going to give everything my al,” Mendoza said in the resurfaced clip. “So if I have a girlfriend, I’m going to give her my all and that means I’m going to go back from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and hang out with her and maybe get dinner or something. Rather than picking up dinner on the way back from class and watching extra film for the game week.”
Mendoza’s commitment has paid off. After leading the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 season, he declared for the NFL Draft on Friday, January 23, and is projected to go No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.
“Let’s get to work,” Mendoza captioned his announcement, posted via a video on Instagram. “I’m humbled to announce that I am officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft!”
The video featured highlights from Indiana’s national championship game victory over the Miami Hurricanes on Monday, January 19. Mendoza spoke over the footage and then directly to the camera.
“Coming to Indiana was a leap of faith. A leap that led me to go 16-0 with my boys and a National Championship, and has now led me here. The moment where I get to dream bigger,” he said. “Thank you to my family, the teammates that pushed me and the coaches that took a chance on me. It is only with your support and the glory of God that I am here today.”
The 2026 NFL Draft will be held April 23 to 25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mendoza has not said whether his “no girlfriend” rule will continue into the pros.
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