IU quarterback Fernando Mendoza was named a nominee for the 2025 AFCA Good Works Team, it was announced earlier this week.
The AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football student-athletes from all levels of the sport for their commitment to community service and leadership beyond the gridiron.
Last year Mendoza was involved in an initiative at Cal that was near-and-dear to his heart.
His mother has multiple sclerosis, and that led him to partner with La Burrita in Berkley to launch the Mendoza Burrito. Honoring his Cuban heritage with the ingredients, all proceeds from each sale went to the National MS Society in honor and support of his mother, and to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis.
Mendoza said in a recent interview with NBC Sports the initiative raised over $11,000 for the National MS Society.
Mendoza was asked if he has similar plans in Bloomington this year.
“Although I love football, I love getting involved in the community,” he said. “That’s something I look to do.”
On the field, Mendoza has arrived in Bloomington with big expectations.
Overall he has appeared in 20 career games with 19 starts over two seasons at California.
Mendoza was ranked the No. 14 overall prospect in the Transfer Portal and No. 3 quarterback by 247Sports.
He finished his time at Cal as the all-time leader in completion percentage (66.4%) and tied for No. 7 in 250-yard passing games (10), equaling the mark of legendary Cal quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
As a redshirt sophomore in 2024, Mendoza produced just the ninth 3,000-yard passing season in California history (3,004 yards). He finished in the top-10 on Cal’s single-season charts in total offensive yards (No. 7; 3,109 yards), passing efficiency (No. 8; 144.59) and yards passing (No. 9; 3,004 yards).
Indiana opens fall camp on July 30, and the 2025 season on Aug. 30 against Old Dominion.
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