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Fernando Mendoza's best quotes: How Indiana QB's quirky postgame interviews became a meme

Fernando Mendoza's best quotes: How Indiana QB's quirky postgame interviews became a meme

The Indiana quarterback's interviews are often ... unique, to say the least. Here's a look back at some of his best media moments.

Fernando Mendoza's best quotes: How Indiana QB's quirky postgame interviews became a meme originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Indiana Hoosiers have taken the college football world by storm in 2025.

The Hoosiers sit just one win away from winning the first national title in school history. A big reason for that is the play of quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a former two-star recruit who has turned into a household name of sorts. Mendoza became the school's first-ever Heisman Trophy winner and has thrown for a career-high 3,349 yards with 41 touchdowns on the season.

But when Mendoza is off the field, he has gone a bit viral for his unique postgame interviews. During Indiana's playoff run, fans have begun noticing his quirky, upbeat disposition.

MORE CFP CHAMPIONSHIP GAME NEWS:

Fernando Mendoza interviews

Mendoza's interviews have become must-watch during the College Football Playoff. After Indiana defeated Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl, Mendoza described his team, incredibly, as a "conglomerate," while praising the team win. Oh yeah, and he even complimented Alabama, even though it was a historically poor showing from the Tide.

Indiana defeated Oregon in the Peach Bowl semifinal. Mendoza discussed the win, as well as playing for a national title in his hometown of Miami, Fla. on Monday. He even complimented Canes head coach Mario Cristoabal, and Miami as a team: 

After Indiana's thrilling victory over Penn State in the regular season, Mendoza also delivered postgame:

Fernando Mendoza Cal interview

Mendoza going viral for his postgame interviews started before he got to Indiana. Last season, while still at Cal, the Bears overcame a 21-7 fourth-quarter deficit to beat rival Stanford. The win helped Cal reach a bowl for the second season in a row. Mendoza didn't hold back after the win:

Fernando Mendoza Ohio State interview

One of Indiana's most impressive wins came in the Big Ten title game. Entering as underdogs, the Hoosiers beat defending national champions Ohio State 13-10. The victory helped the Hoosiers win the Big Ten for the first time since 1967. 

In Mendoza's interview, the quarterback was understandably emotional: 

MORE:How Fernando Mendoza went from 2-star recruit to Heisman winner 

Fernando Mendoza's best quotes

Mendoza has had some great one-liners during Indiana's historic 2025-26 season. Ahead of the Hoosiers' playoff run, Mendoza invoked the stars in the galaxy when describing his success: 

"I'm shining now, but only because there are so many stars around me," Mendoza said: 

During his Heisman acceptance speech, Mendoza also talked to young kids about being an underrated recruit as a young kid. Coming out of Columbus high school in Miami, Mendoza was rated as a two-star quarterback. 

"I want every kid out there who feels overlooked, underestimated to know I was you," Mendoza said. "I was that kid too. I was in your shoes. The truth is, you don't need the most stars, hype or rankings. You just need discipline, heart and people who believe in you and you need to believe in your own abilities. I hope this moment shows you that chasing your dreams are worth it, no matter how big or impossible they seem."

The Indiana quarterback has also discussed what an inspiration his mother, Elsa Mendoza, is to him. His mother has multiple sclerosis, and is in a wheelchair because of the disease.

"She battles it every single day, and she is my light and inspiration because no matter what, no matter how hard it gets, she always maintains this unwavering positivity and influence in our lives," Mendoza said earlier this season of his mother via Fox Sports. "She's my example of always having that positivity and always having the optimistic approach. If I have a bad game or a bad practice, I'm not going to go out there and pout because I see how hard she's fighting and how hard she always maintains the optimistic approach."

After Indiana's win over Oregon, Mendoza compared himself to a point guard, giving his teammates, like receivers Omar Cooper and Elijah Sarratt. 

"Omar Cooper and EJ, they were getting open all game and to be able to throw with those guys, I'm like a point guard out there," Mendoza said. I'm throwing to the open guy, and they shoot the threes. I got the glory and the fame, but those guys are the ones that make the shots, make the threes."

He also told reporters that he only has LinkedIn and YouTube on his phone: 

MORE: Inside Fernando Mendoza's LinkedIn page

Fernando Mendoza memes

Naturally, the Internet has had a field day with the Mendoza interviews. 

Fans of HBO's "Righteous Gemstones" will get this one:

If Indiana wins its first-ever national championship with a win over Miami on Monday night, we could be in for Mendoza's best postgame interview yet. 

MORE:Inside the special moment Indiana's Curt Cignetti will never forget 

Category: General Sports

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