Key Highlights
- 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. MORE: Indiana 2025 College Football Playoff tickets guideAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFernando Mendoza NIL moneyAccording 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. MORE: Who will Indiana play next?Fernando Mendoza NIL dealsMendoza has two main NIL partnerships. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdidasAhead of Indiana's 13-10 Big Ten Championship win over No.