Devastatingly, Fernando Mendoza can't be the starting quarterback of the Indiana Hoosiers forever. As the program's first-ever Heisman winner sees his collegiate eligibility come to an end, the team will have to find a replacement to fill his shoes (daunting, I know).
While the task at hand might be a big undertaking for Indiana's recruiting personnel, a high-power quarterback has emerged as a potential target for the Hoosiers.
Sam Leavitt, a third-year quarterback who led the Arizona State Sun Devils to a College Football Playoff berth last season, announced he planned to enter the transfer portal.
Sam Leavitt could be the next Fernando Mendoza
Leavitt started his career with the Michigan State Spartans before transferring to Arizona State in 2024. Now, he has become one of the most intriguing players set to enter the upcoming transfer portal and could be a perfect fit for Indiana and head coach Curt Cignetti.
On3's Pete Nakos reported that the Hoosiers were one of the top schools to pay attention to regarding Leavitt's next moves, alongside the Oregon Ducks, Miami Hurricanes, and LSU Tigers.
NEW: Oregon, Indiana, Miami, and LSU are early schools to watch for Arizona State transfer QB Sam Leavitt, @PeteNakos reports👀https://t.co/Wv4pIiNkOw pic.twitter.com/9VUjZN39kS
— On3 (@On3sports) December 15, 2025
Through the first three seasons of his collegiate career, Leavitt amassed 4,652 passing yards for 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. A dual-threat quarterback, he has also earned 816 rushing yards and 10 more touchdowns on the ground.
While Indiana fans might not be familiar with Leavitt's game, keep in mind that Mendoza joined the Hoosiers after starting his career with the Cal Golden Bears, a former Pac-12 team just like the Sun Devils.
It is going to be incredibly difficult for anyone to fill Mendoza's shoes next season, but Leavitt could be the perfect guy for the job, and Cignetti shouldn't overlook him as a possible replacement.