The Athlete Lifestyle logo

Fernando Mendoza’s aunt turns heads during Indiana’s big Peach Bowl CFP win

Cameras panned on the Hoosiers quarterback’s mom and aunt during his monster night against Oregon, and social media took notice.
Matt Ryan|
Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) reacts after the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) reacts after the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana Hoosiers looked unstoppable in the Peach Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal win over the Oregon Ducks on Friday night. Maybe the only thing that could steal his thunder a little bit on his historic night was his aunt who went viral when TV cameras panned on her.

Mendoza and Indiana were surgeical vs. Oregon in the 56-22 stunner. The Heisman Trophy winner was 17-for-20 passing for 177 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions.

RELATED: ESPN star Katie Feeney causes stir with extremely casual fit for Indiana’s big win

After the game he was hyped:

Now, he’s one win away from bringing the first national championship to Bloomington, Indiana.

His mom Elsa has shared her heartbreaking battle with Multiple Sclerosis and is a true inspiration for the quarterback from Florida.

RELATED: Carson Beck’s mom steals son, daughter Kylie’s spotlight in Miami celebration photo

Elsa was at the game again watching her son’s amazing night.

Mendoza’s aunt goes viral

When the camera panned on Elsa during the game, social media noticed who was sitting next to her.

It’s not quite a Brent Musburger-Jenn Sterger moment, but she definitely turned a lot of heads in an otherwise boring game unless you’re an Indiana fan.

Fernando’s younger brother and redshirt freshman Alberto Mendoza is also on the Hoosiers team.

Both brothers will have a chance to be part of a national champion on Monday, January 19, when the Hoosiers travel to Miami to take on the home team Miami Hurricanes for all the marbles.

Mom will no doubt be there. Will his aunt be as well? If so, the internet will no doubt celebrate.

Fernando Mendoz
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (13) after connecting for a touchdown Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, during the Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Oregon Ducks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Little is known of her as of the is writing, but we will report on who she is when we learn more.

— Enjoy free dish of rich and fabulous players with The Athlete Lifestyle on SI —

Lane who?: Lane Kiffin’s wife Layla turns heads with thigh-high boots amid LSU drama

Bey Jr.: Beyoncé’s daughter Blue Ivy’s bold look causes stir at Lakers game with Jay-Z

Oh no: Sherrone Moore’s wife Kelli in spotlight after his Michigan firing for alleged affair

WWAG: Cooper DeJean, 22, WWE’s Nikki Bella, 42, cause dating rumors stir hanging out

Eerie: Aaron Rodgers’ wife Brittani mystery deepens missing Steelers WAGs Xmas party

Published
Matt Ryan
MATT RYAN

Matt Ryan is a dedicated sports journalist with over 20 years of experience in digital and linear media. After receiving a Masters in Journalism from USC, he’s worked for Fox Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo Sports, USA Today Sports Media Group, and Bally Sports, while holding various leadership roles along the way.

Home/Relationships