The greatest stories in college sports are not the ones that talk about winning championships or breaking records, but when a player is playing for something bigger than themselves. For Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, that is his mother.
Mendoza's mother has multiple sclerosis, which is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing fatigue, numbness, vision problems, balance issues, and cognitive changes. In other words, his mother has not been able to move very well, as there is no cure for the disease, only managing symptoms.
In a recent interview, Mendoza spoke about how his mom is his best friend and his biggest inspiration, so much so that he partnered with a burrito company in Berkley to create the Mendoza burrito, where all the proceeds from that order go towards The National MS Society.
Fernando Mendoza's mom lives with MS.
— Hoosiers Connect (@HoosiersConnect) December 8, 2025
She's his best friend and inspiration for everything he does.
If you do anything today, take two minutes and listen to Fernando talk about his mom and how much she means to him. pic.twitter.com/tWHvC7QjxN
Mendoza has had an incredible first season with the Indiana Hoosiers, which has led him to be a finalist for the Heisman Trophy and led his team to a Big Ten title. Mendoza has been extremely open about his inspiration being his mom, and it has led him to all his success.
In his first season with Indiana, Mendoza has 2,980 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, six interceptions, with a 71.5% completion rate. It has truly been an amazing season for the Cal transfer as he is also leading the Hoosiers to the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 overall seed.
Mendoza has the best chance to win the Heisman Trophy, especially with a huge win over Ohio State in the Big Ten title game. Mendoza hit wide receiver Charlie Becker on a long pass to seal the game for the Hoosiers. So, if Mendoza does win the coveted award, it is in honor of his mom, who fights every day just to get through life.