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A story that turned into a Cinderella run both for the quarterback himself, Fernando Mendoza, and for his university, the Indiana Hoosiers, in 2025. No one, absolutely no one, had them on the radar to even post a winning season; however, they left a unique mark.
They broke the record for an undefeated team in the NCAAF by reaching the CFP championship game without losing a single contest, and there they showed that the year was theirs. The Miami Hurricanes could not stop them.
Earlier, the story delivered another source of satisfaction for the program. Fernando Mendoza emerged as the best player of the season by winning the Heisman Trophy.
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Today, they continue to enjoy the spoils of success, but they are already getting to work with an eye on the 2026 season without Mendoza, who will depart for the NFL in the next draft to be held in April, where it is expected, almost a foregone conclusion, that he will land with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Against this backdrop, the Hoosiers brought in former TCU passer Josh Hoover, who will carry a heavy headstone bearing a first and last name: Fernando Mendoza.
Josh Hoovers will look to establish his own rhythm and style at Indiana
At first Josh Hoovers had committed to the Hoosiers; however, he ended up playing for the Horned Frogs, although now he will return to what he initially decided would be his home, Indiana.
It is a major addition for Curt Cignetti's team, which turned to the transfer portal in search of capturing a portion of what was achieved by his predecessor, Fernando Mendoza.
Hoovers has 9,629 yards to his name, a total that places him among the top passers who will continue playing in the collegiate ranks.
Obviously, Fernando's an unbelievable player, won the Heisman, won all the awards, they had all the team success you can have last year," Hoover said Saturday, Jan. 31. "For me, I'm just gonna be myself. That's why I'm here - to be myself, put my imprint on the program and try to encourage guys and bring people along. Be the best player I can be.
This past Saturday the signal-caller was present at a meet-and-greet with Indiana fans alongside several of his new teammates, where they signed autographs, took photos, and spoke with those in attendance.
The fans are awesome. Great people. Love football, love the Hoosiers, for sure, and it's super cool as a player to have that support," Hoover said. "How much the fans love football, love this program, love this city and love this state, it's been super cool.
From this point forward, he will have to begin forging his own path with the Hoosiers, under the massive shadow of Mendoza, which could become a serious problem if he does not have the mental capacity to overcome it.