Indiana's Fernando Mendoza's Fundraiser in the Spotlight With Oregon Game

The Oregon Ducks and Indiana Hoosiers will face off in the highest ranked game across college football this week. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been incredible this season, but it's what he's doing off the field that shows his true character.

Aug 30, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) walks into the stadium prior to the game against the Old Dominion Monarchs at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

The Oregon Ducks are hosting the Indiana Hoosiers this weekend at Autzen Stadium in a top 10 matchup. ESPN’s College GameDay will be hosting their show from Eugene for this game between No. 3 Oregon and No. 7 Indiana. 

Each team has a Heisman trophy hopeful at quarterback with Dante Moore for the Ducks and Fernando Mendoza for Indiana. The Big Ten Network released a video in lead up to this game, going behind the scenes into the life of Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Fernando Mendoza, Brother Helping Raise Money For Multiple Sclerosis

California Golden Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with fans after the game as Auburn Tigers take on California Golden Bears at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. California Golden Bears defeated Auburn Tigers 21-14. | Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Mendoza’s mother is currently battling multiple sclerosis. Fernando and his brother, Indiana bakcup quarterback Alberto Mendoza, partnered with the Buffalouie’s, a Bloomington restaurant. They have a burger on the menu with all of the proceeds going to a multiple sclerosis foundation to help raise awareness and find a cure. 

The burger is called the “Mendoza Bros. Burger.” During the video, the Mendoza’s talked about how much their mother means to them and how she keeps them going everyday. 

“She is my positivity. She’s my light. She’s essentially my everything,” Fernando Mendoza said. “She battles every single day and I still see the smile on her face.”

“She inspires me and my brother everyday,” Alberto Mendoza said. “When I wake up and I’m like ‘Oh, I don’t know if I want to do that. I’m kind of feeling down today.’ I just look at my mother. If she can fight through that, I can fight through anything.”

The Mendozas do it all for their mother.

The Journey profiles the @IndianaFootball brothers' inseparable bond with their mom, Elsa, who's living with multiple sclerosis.

📍 @AutoOwnersIns pic.twitter.com/bd2x7LI6iu

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 9, 2025

Fernando Mendoza is currently in his first season with the Hoosiers after playing for the California Golden Bears from 2022 through 2024. He has thrown for 1,208 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just one interception during Indiana’s 5-0 start. 

Sep 27, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) rolls out to throw a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Mendoza currently has the sixth best odds to the win the Heisman trophy at +1400 according to DraftKings Sportsbook. 

MORE: Oregon Ducks Fans Color To Wear vs. Indiana In Autzen Stadium

MORE: Dakorien Moore’s Composure Turns Heads in First Oregon Interview

MORE: Grading Oregon Ducks' Uniform Reveal For Indiana Game - Did Nike Nail It?

Game Between Two Heisman Hopeful Quarterbacks

Sep 20, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) warms up before the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The quarterback on the other side of the field against Mendoza will be Dante Moore. Moore has began to gain recognition as one of the best quarterbacks in the country after his impressive performance on the road against the Penn State Nittany Lions in Oregon’s last appearance. 

In Oregon’s 5-0 start, Moore has thrown for 1,210 yards, 14 touchdowns, and one interception. Moore is the Heisman trophy favorite according to DraftKings Sportsbook with odds of +550. 

The quarterback of the winning team in the Ducks vs. Hooisers matchup could dramatically boost their Heisman chances as the second half of the season get underway. 

Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11 at 12:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on CBS. The Ducks have played all three of their prior home games this season at 1 p.m. PT or earlier so a primetime game will have to wait for another time.

• Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. 
• If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.