Fernando Mendoza has been the widely assumed first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft ever since the Indiana Hoosiers caught fire in 2025. The team’s incredible and unexpected run to the National Championship put all eyes on Mendoza early and often. Indiana would finish 16-0 with Fernando Mendoza’s decision making on the field being one of the biggest contributing factors.
He finished the year with a completion percentage of 72 and 41 passing touchdowns. Remarkable numbers for a college quarterback. However, how has his decision making been off the field?
NFL Draft Fernando Mendoza
Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza Sees GPA Leaked To Public Just Before The NFL Draft
Mendoza’s GPA can be traced back all the way to his high school years when he attended Miami Columbus High School, and all-boys Catholic school. The Athletic reported that he signed up for an incredible 12 advanced placement (AP) courses from 10th to 12th grade. He finished his senior year in high school with a 5.4 grade average.
After high school he initially committed to Yale but switched his commitment to UC Berkeley where he earned a degree from Haas School of Business. Once he transferred to Indiana University he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Kelley School of Business. At the same time he was leading the Hoosiers to their first even National Championship.
He finished college with a 4.86 GPA.
Fernando Mendoza’s On-Field-Stats In College
Mendoza spent two years playing for the Cal Bears in 2023 and 2024. He transferred to Indiana before the 2025 season. His best season by far came with the Hoosiers on the field when he finished with a 72 completion percentage, 3,232 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions. His final college numbers were:
68.6 completion percentage
8,247 passing yards
71 passing touchdowns
22 interceptions
473 rushing yards
11 rushing touchdowns
It is clear that Mendoza has applied himself not only on the field but off of it.
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