After starting for two seasons at California, Fernando Mendoza led Indiana Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 season and the school’s first national title. He won the Heisman Trophy with 41 touchdowns and only six interceptions, sealing the championship win over Miami Hurricanes with a 12-yard touchdown run on fourth down
The 22-year-old is now the expected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders have already cleared a path for him by trading Geno Smith and signing All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum. However, before his pro career even begins, Mendoza is drawing attention for a surprising move off the field.
Fernando Mendoza’s playful proposal to Olympic star Alysa Liu goes viral
Recently, Mendoza, an Epic Games partner, posted a selfie on his X handle holding a golden Fortnite Victory Royale crown to his face, mimicking an Olympian biting a gold medal.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza
Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza speaks to the media at the 2026 NFL Combine.
In the caption, he wrote, “Alysa Liu am I doing it right?? #EpicPartner.”
So, there is no doubt that it was a clear nod to the 20-year-old figure skater. At the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Liu won two gold medals. Her individual victory was the first for an American woman since Sarah Hughes in 2002, ending a 24-year drought for Team USA.
Alysa Liu am I doing it right?? #EpicPartner pic.twitter.com/9YB3vcjpy5
— Fernando Mendoza (@fernandomendoza) March 20, 2026
Fans quickly connected thier ownromantic assumptions between the two athletes, both of whom are coming off historic, record-breaking seasons.
Fans react to Fernando Mendoza’s playful shot at Alysa Liu
His sudden mention of Olympian added humor in the conversation and a few raised eyebrows over the apparent age gap, though at 22 and 20, the two are closer than some fans realized.
One fan wrote, “Shoot your shot king.”
Another oneadded, “She’s from Oakland, they USED to be in Oakland… ngl it makes sense tbh.”
A third fanclaimed, “Get yourself some Olympic cheeks, goat. We believe in you!”
The fourth vieweradded, “What a goat. Go on and do your thing Nando, and thank you for everything this past year. I will always root for you.”
A random X userasked, “Is bro tryna shoot his shot at an 18-year-old and he like 27?” though the numbers are off because Mendoza is 22 and Liu turned 20 last August.
However, the Florida native is the consensus No. 1 overall pick heading into the draft in Pittsburgh, which begins April 23 on the North Shore, outside Acrisure Stadium. In this vacuum, he’s making sure the offseason stays interesting.