Fernando Mendoza is the quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers, and he’s led the team to an undefeated season, which is one reason his NIL portfolio is of such value.
Mendoza made the decision to transfer to Indiana University from Cal on December 23, 2024, and he hasn’t looked back. His 2025-26 season brought the Hoosiers a Big Ten Championship and trip to the College Football Championship game.
Mendoza, of course, also won the high-profile Heisman Trophy this year and earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. As the Heisman Trophy winner, he became the first Indiana Hoosiers player to win the award.
The quarterback played three seasons at Cal before announcing his commitment to Indiana on Dec. 23, 2024, and it’s been a whirlwind ever since. So, what’s Fernando Mendoza’s NIL deal and how much is he making for playing at Indiana?
Indiana Hoosiers Quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s NIL Deal
According to the industry valuations as of January 2026, Mendoza’s Name, Image, and Likeness (N.I.L.) portfolio is valued at roughly $2.6 million, making him one of the top five highest-valued college football players of the season.
According to research from On3, Mendoza is ranked fifth in college football and seventh in its N.I.L 100. The only players above him include Arch Manning, Texas ($5.3 million); Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State ($4.2 million); Carson Beck, Miami ($3.1 million); and Bryce Underwood, Michigan ($3 million).
Plus, his valuation went from roughly $1.6 million earlier in the year to $2.6 million after his undefeated season with the Hoosiers.
Mendoza’s two main NIL partnerships include Adidas and “Mendoza Mania.”
“Excited to share that I’ve accepted an opportunity to join adidas,” he said on LinkedIn in early December. “I’m very grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way and excited to bring my passion for sport, leadership, and work ethic to the Three Stripes. Let’s get to work.”
As for “Mendoza Mania,” it’s a collaboration with his brother Alberto, who is Indiana’s backup quarterback, and a special collection available on the Indiana NIL Store. A portion of all proceeds from the collection benefit the National MS Society, honoring his mom and her battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
It’s worth noting that Mendoza didn’t get a “salary” from the Indiana Hoosiers for signing on, but he has earned millions through Name, Image, and Likeness (N.I.L.) deals.
Fernando Mendoza’s Postgame Quotes
Mendoza is known for his football playing, but he’s also getting known for his postgame quotes. He rarely disappoints.
After the Indiana Hoosier beat the Oregon Ducks on Friday, January 9, Mendoza talked about the concept of delayed gratification.
“Delayed gratification is the concept that was brought up by stoicism and by the stoics,” he told reporters after the game. “And I think it’s one of the greatest attributes. If you’re able to have delayed gratification — discipline in yourself, discipline in your process and preparation — you’re able to execute every single week.”
After beating Alabama in the Rose Bow, he said, “It’s just a great conglomerate of individuals coming together and really forming complimentary football. Coach Cig (Curt Cignetti) has hit on us, no complacency and especially when you have a BYE, it’s tough to get into a rhythm of football, but once we got our feet on the ground, we knew we were going to stick together and come out with this W.”
Fernando Mendoza’s NIL Deal: What Did He Receive to Play at Indiana?