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The Indiana football team landed a big addition in the transfer portal when it signed former Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The passer was one of six ACC signal callers to throw for more than 3,000 yards last year while leading the Bears to six wins.
That number met or exceeded a number of preseason projections for the program while also securing a bowl game invite. And with a little bit of luck, that win total would’ve risen significantly.
Five of the Bears‘ six losses came by one possession. During a four-game losing skid spanning from late September to October, Cal was outscored by a combined nine points.
Mendoza was a big reason for the team’s offensive success. He capitalized on the production with a transfer to a College Football Playoff participant.
The quarterback signed an NIL deal shortly after announcing his commitment to Indiana. The Hoosiers won 11 games in 2024 and played in the first 12-team playoff.
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While they were unable to win their postseason opener, the program has sights set on a return next season. Finding a starting passer was the first step in doing so.
Last year’s signal caller Kurtis Rourke exhausted his eligibility and is now moving onto the NFL. Backup Tayven Jackson hit the portal at year’s end and has since landed at UCF.
Fernando Mendoza expects to immediately fill that void under center. He was officially introduced to the 2025 online roster ahead of the spring semester. Unfortunately, he didn’t receive a proper welcome.
Images of a photoshopped roster picture have surfaced on social media. It seems the Hoosiers simply posted Mendoza’s face over the body of new teammate Grant Wilson.
New transfer QB Fernando Mendoza’s official photo on Indiana’s roster is currently his head photoshopped onto Grant Wilson’s body. https://t.co/uhzhPcYx9g pic.twitter.com/AZ7JxkgB72
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) January 30, 2025
The reasoning for the photoshop is unknown. It seems likely that Mendoza’s been on campus at some point to have a picture taken for the team website.
The image highlighted recent transfer absurdity, showing that not even graphic design teams are able to keep up with the revolving door that is the portal. The lineup is constantly changing!
It’s not immediately clear if Mendoza has seen or responded to the photo. His X account is protected while his Instagram and TikTok accounts show no new activity.
One funny caveat to the situation is that Mendoza’s brother is also on the roster. They might’ve been better off using Alberto Mendoza’s image in the photoshop. It might’ve at least looked a bit more natural.
Graphic design gaffes aside, Fernando Mendoza appears ready to lead the Hoosiers into 2025. Indiana kicks off its campaign against Old Dominion next August.