$2.6 million QB ranked No. 1 NFL Draft prospect amid College Football Playoff
Our Summary
Indiana University is set to compete in the College Football Playoff national championship game on January 19 after an unexpected and impressive season. The Hoosiers ended the regular season undefeated, winning the Big Ten title and securing the No. 1 seed in the expanded playoff format. They defeated No. 9 Alabama 38-3 and No. 5 Oregon 56-22 in the postseason, securing their first-ever national championship game appearance.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a transfer from Cal, has been pivotal in Indiana's success. In his single season with the Hoosiers, Mendoza threw for 3,349 yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, completing 73% of his passes over 15 games. His performance earned him the Heisman Trophy and AP Player of the Year honors, alongside sweeping major national quarterback awards.
Speculation is growing about Mendoza's future in the NFL, with ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranking him No. 1 on his
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