Heisman Winner Fernando Mendoza Leads No. 1 Indiana Into Rose Bowl Quarterfinal vs. Alabama
The unbeaten Hoosiers rely on a transfer quarterback who rose from two-star recruit to national centerpiece.
Overview
- No. 1 Indiana, 13-0, faces Alabama at the Rose Bowl in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal, seeking the program's first win there in 57 years.
- Mendoza, a Cuban American and former two-star recruit, transferred from Cal and became the first Indiana player to win the Heisman Trophy.
- Head coach Curt Cignetti urged Mendoza to keep a sharp preparation edge and not let the Heisman change how he plays.
- Mendoza said his responsibility is to stay mentally sharp, tune out outside pressure, and stick to the team’s process.
- At media day, Mendoza named Tua Tagovailoa as his favorite Alabama player, offering a light moment during a busy lead-up.