Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza continues to capitalize on his recent athletic success by announcing a new name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal shortly after his team”s victory over Miami in the College Football Playoff (CFP) championship. Mendoza, who recently won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to an undefeated 16-0 season, has seen his NIL valuation soar to approximately $2.6 million, reflecting his rise as a college football superstar.
As noted by On3, Mendoza maintains a partnership with Adidas, although not every NIL agreement needs to be a grand campaign. Following his championship win, Mendoza is already engaging with fans. He announced via an Instagram story that he will host an autograph session at Dick”s Sporting Goods in Bloomington, Indiana, on Wednesday. The event will allow fans to meet the celebrated quarterback and receive autographs.
At the session, 250 wristbands will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9 AM, providing fans with a unique opportunity to connect with the star player. Dick”s Sporting Goods has also started selling custom merchandise featuring Mendoza, with a focus on items celebrating his Heisman win and Indiana”s national championship.
Aside from his prominent deal with Adidas, Mendoza has attracted partnerships with other notable companies, including Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, as well as Dr. Pepper and Keurig. Given his promising future, it is anticipated that Mendoza”s endorsement portfolio will continue to grow, especially as he approaches the NFL Draft.
Although Mendoza has the option to use an additional year of collegiate eligibility, his remarkable season makes it likely that he will declare for the upcoming NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders, holding the top pick, are in need of a quarterback, and with the decision of talented passer Dante Moore from Oregon to return to school, Mendoza may face little competition for the top overall selection in the 2026 Draft.
With the projected value of the first overall pick exceeding $10 million, Mendoza”s NIL earnings, while impressive, may be just the beginning of his financial potential as he transitions to the next level in his football career.
