Jets’ Decision on Mendoza’s Future
The Jets have roughly four months to determine if Fernando Mendoza will be the one to steer them out of their ongoing struggles.
On Saturday, the entire college football community rallied behind him.
This Indiana quarterback is not just any player; he’s a Heisman Trophy winner, clinched during a remarkable undefeated season where he led the team to over 40 points per game as the prime mover of the offense.
Heisman winner today, potential Jet tomorrow?
“I’ve heard so many positive comments about Coach [Aaron] Glenn. I think he’s really doing a fantastic job,” Mendoza shared at the Marriott Marquis in Midtown before the ceremony. “To be honest, I’m focused on the College Football Playoff right now, but I do believe whoever picks me will be fortunate.”
Mendoza, who guided the Hoosiers to an impressive 13-0 record, captured his school’s first-ever No. 1 ranking and top seed in the College Football Playoff. He garnered 643 first-place votes, making history as the first Heisman winner from Indiana.
Diego Pavia was essentially the backbone of Vanderbilt’s team, while Mendoza shined as the Most Valuable Player of the Most Valuable Team, surprisingly finishing second in a vote dominated by media, former Heisman winners, and fans.
Over the last five years, Mendoza becomes the fourth quarterback to win the award, with the noteworthy exception of two-way star Travis Hunter breaking through last season. Among this year’s finalists, three were quarterbacks. The only non-QB was Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Love, who didn’t manage to become the first running back to win since Derrick Henry in 2015.
This Miami native and transfer from the University of California put up 2,980 passing yards and topped college football with 33 touchdown passes, alongside rushing for six touchdowns with only six interceptions this season.
In his first, possibly only, year in Indiana’s system, he threw at least four touchdown passes without an interception in three straight games. He wasn’t often challenged late in games but did lead a game-winning drive against Penn State. After taking a hard hit from Ohio State, he calmly delivered a perfectly placed 17-yard touchdown pass, which clinched the Big Ten title for his team.
Given his remarkable season, his crowning as the Heisman winner was anticipated. This accolade marks a significant high point in his upward trajectory.
Mendoza’s journey to the top is fascinating, considering he grew up as the grandson of Cuban immigrants and was a standout in high school sports in South Florida. “Miami has a unique speed to its game,” he said, crediting that environment for shaping his skills. After being overlooked by prominent programs, he found himself at Yale University.
Around six months later, Mendoza received an offer from the University of California, making it the only Power Four school to recruit the 6-foot-5 quarterback. He redshirted during his freshman year and began his second season as a third-string quarterback, eventually stepping up midseason and performing remarkably. Last year, he completed over 68% of his passes, accumulating more than 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns. This success enabled him to transition into a larger program with a more NFL-like offense after finishing his degree at Berkeley in just three years.
His younger brother, Alberto Mendoza, contributed to the team’s success as a backup this season, witnessing Fernando excel as the standout player on a top-tier team.
This year, he’s certainly among the more refined college talents.
“Right now, my primary focus is on the College Football Playoff. I want to stay alert and engaged,” Mendoza stated when prompted about his future in the NFL, before admitting, “Ultimately, I want to be an exceptional team player and support my teammates.”
With his arm strength and height, Mendoza has drawn attention as a top prospect for the NFL Draft, and he’s on the radar of the struggling 3-10 Jets, who currently hold the No. 7 pick and are in dire need of a quarterback.
