Fernando Mendoza has had a magical 2025 season, leading the Indiana Hoosiers to an undefeated 13-0 regular season and the program’s first outright Big Ten title since 1945. Along with breaking program records as a team, Mendoza has produced a historic season of his own.
The redshirt junior quarterback, a transfer from California, shattered Indiana’s single-season passing marks by completing 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards and a nation-leading 33 touchdown passes against just six interceptions. He also proved to be a threat with his legs, adding 240 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, putting him second nationally in total touchdowns accounted for (39). His remarkable campaign earned him Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and Quarterback of the Year honors, along with the Walter Camp Player of the Year award. He also became just the second player in program history to be named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
As one of the top players in the nation, Mendoza’s rapid rise has made him a face of the collegiate game’s new financial era. His personal brand — which includes a recent high-profile endorsement deal with Adidas and his exclusive “Mendoza Mania” merchandise line — has soared throughout the season.
Here’s a breakdown of how much the Indiana star has brought in.
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Fernando Mendoza NIL money
According to the latest industry valuations, the Indiana star’s Name, Image, and Likeness (N.I.L.) Portfolio is valued at an estimated $2.6 million, positioning him among the top five highest-valued college football players in the country.
On3 has the quarterback ranked fifth in college football and seventh in its N.I.L 100. He is listed below only four FBS players:
- Arch Manning, Texas ($5.3 million)
- Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State ($4.2 million)
- Carson Beck, Miami ($3.1 million)
- Bryce Underwood, Michigan ($3 million)
His valuation spiked from an estimated $1.6 million earlier in the year to $2.6 million after the Hoosiers' perfect regular season.
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Fernando Mendoza NIL deals
Mendoza has two main NIL partnerships.
Adidas
Ahead of Indiana's 13-10 Big Ten Championship win over No. 2 Ohio State, Mendoza inked a deal with Adidas.
Statement maker 👏
— adidas US Football (@adidasFballUS) December 1, 2025
Welcome to the three stripes, Fernando! Pic.twitter.com/SagkngpUAC
“Excited to share that I’ve accepted an opportunity to join adidas!” Said on LinkedIn. “I’m very grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way and excited to bring my passion for sport, leadership, and work ethic to the Three Stripes. Let’s get to work.”
He joins a star-studded adidas lineup that includes Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith, Nebraska's Dylan Raiola and Arizona State's Sam Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson.
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Mendoza Mania
In collaboration with his brother Alberto, who is Indiana's backup signal-caller, Mendoza launched a brand-new "Mendoza Mania" Collection on the Indiana NIL Store.
The initiative carries a deeply personal meaning for Mendoza: a portion of all proceeds from the collection will benefit the National MS Society, honoring his mother who continues her courageous fight against Multiple Sclerosis.
Fernando Mendoza's mom lives with MS.
— Hoosiers Connect (@HoosiersConnect) December 8, 2025
She's his best friend and inspiration for everything he does.
If you do anything today, take two minutes and listen to Fernando talk about his mom and how much she means to him. Pic.twitter.com/tWHvC7QjxN
This compassionate focus transforms the quarterback's commercial venture into a vehicle for impact, lending deeper purpose to every piece of "Mendoza Mania" merchandise sold.
The moment @IndianaFootball QB Fernando Mendoza found his family following tonight's game. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/sic1Fe7OjO
— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) December 7, 2025
By leveraging his national spotlight, Mendoza is driving crucial funds and awareness for the National MS Society's mission to cure the disease and empower those affected to live their best lives.
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Fernando Mendoza net worth 2025
Mendoza's net worth is not publicly available. Though, sources report that his net worth is in the hundred thousands, reaching up to $1 million.
This will continue to rise as Mendoza leads Indiana through the College Football Playoff, and down the road, becomes a first round pick in the NFL Draft.
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