Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been added to another preseason watch list. Mendoza has been named a preseason pick for the Wuerrfel Trophy watch list. It’s the third watch list he has appeared on this summer.
The Wuerffel Trophy recognizes college football players who exemplify community service, academic excellence and athletic achievement. Mendoza was also named to the AFCA Good Works Team and he’s on the Maxwell Award watch list.
.@qb_fernando is on the @WuerffelTrophy watchlist. 👏 pic.twitter.com/iCq0kT2Hsf
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) July 31, 2025
Mendoza spent two seasons as the starting quarterback at Cal, where he completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 4,712 yards, 30 TDs and 16 picks in 20 games. He also ran for 197 yards and four scores on the ground. in 2024, Mendoza was the third-leading passer in the ACC and had a 68.7% completion percentage.
Mendoza's mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and that led him to partner with La Burrita in Berkley, California to launch the Mendoza Burrito. Honoring his Cuban heritage with the ingredients, all proceeds from each sale went to the National MS Society in honor and support of his mother, and to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis.
Mendoza said in a recent interview with NBC Sports the initiative raised over $11,000 for the National MS Society.
ABOUT THE WUERFFEL TROPHY
Widely regarded as college football's premier award for community service, the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy celebrates student-athletes who use their platforms to serve others and create positive change. Named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winner and University of Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel, who turned his football success into a lifelong mission of service, the award reflects his legacy of leadership and humanitarianism. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the trophy's founding.
"Every year, I'm deeply moved by these student-athletes,"," said Danny Wuerffel. "They lead with their heart. Each of our nominees is making a real difference in the lives of others, and their stories remind us what true greatness looks like."
For the second consecutive year, the Wuerffel Foundation is partnering with Allstate to unite college football's top community service honors through the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®. Eleven student-athletes from the Watch List will be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and serve as semifinalists for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.
The 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists and recipient will be selected by a national voting committee, with input from a fan vote. The 2025 recipient will also serve as Captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards show on December 12th, airing on ESPN. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala will follow on January 31, 2026, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.