Overview

• Indiana routed No. 8 Illinois 63-10 as Fernando Mendoza went 21-of-23 for 267 yards and five touchdowns before yielding to backup Alberto Mendoza.
• Through four games, he has led a 4-0 start with a 76.8% completion rate (76 of 99) for 975 yards, 14 touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 206.16 passer rating.
• BetMGM lists Mendoza at 9-1 to win the Heisman Trophy, the second-shortest odds nationally behind Oklahoma’s John Mateer at 7-1.
• Analysts cite prototype size and field-stretching arm talent with strong post-snap processing, while flagging pocket movement and decision-making under pressure as areas to prove.
• The former Cal starter who replaced Kurtis Rourke at Indiana now draws stiffer tests with upcoming trips to Oregon and Penn State as his younger brother Alberto sits next on the depth chart.