If Indiana Hoosiers fans weren't excited about Curt Cignetti landing Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the transfer portal in the first window, they would be now. With Mendoza now on campus at Indiana after transferring after the fall semester, he has gotten to know his teammates, most importantly his wide receivers, whom he will be throwing to.
With spring practices starting up soon, Mendoza has been getting some work in at the Indiana facilities, mainly just working on throwing and getting his timing down with his newest squad.
Well, the videos released of Mendoza's latest workouts and throw of his new receivers will have Hoosier fans foaming at the mouth waiting for football season to start.
Fernando Mendoza throwing 40+ yards in the BUCKET #iufb https://t.co/3QHG1QXFJt pic.twitter.com/OgEX0OZVP3
— William Stewart (@will_stew24) March 4, 2025
In the seven clips shared above, it can be seen that Mendoza is hitting every single one of his throws to his receivers right into the bread basket. Not only is he throwing intermediate passes with great accuracy, but he is also dropping 40+ yard passes right into the hands of his receivers. Some of the passes might have looked just the slightest bit off, but that should be resolved the more these guys get to practice together.
There is no question about the arm strength of the former Cal quarterback. The now soon-to-be third-year quarterback threw for over 3,000 yards in 2024, along with 16 touchdown passes and only six interceptions while at Cal. Mendoza finished the season with a 144.6 quarterback rating, with his longest throwing coming in at 41 yards.
Mendoza averaged 7.8 yards of his passes last season and has a 68.7 completion percentage. Even though he is young, he clearly comes in with talent and almost two full years of experience as a starter. Now, with some different players around him, including some great wide receivers Cignetti picked up in the transfer portal, Mendoza will have his choice of great selections to throw to.
Spring practices are starting up soon, and fans can see Mendoza show off his arm talent in person at the Indiana spring game on Saturday, April 19, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington at Noon EST. Admission is free for all fans, as this is just the second spring game under Cignetti.