Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza Reveals Surprising NFL Idol Ahead of High-Stakes Big Ten Clash

Here we are, on the eve of what might just go down as the most electrifying night in Indiana Hoosiers football history — and the spotlight? Oh, it’s burning hot on none other than quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Now, what’s got tongues wagging isn’t just his arm or his uncanny knack for reading defenses; nope. It’s his candid confession of being a bona fide “Matt Patricia fan.” You heard me right. In a twist that only college football could whip up, Mendoza’s admiration for the Buckeyes’ defensive mastermind adds a spicy layer to this Big Ten Championship showdown. So, here’s the million-dollar question swirling in my mind—is this quarterback’s respect for the man scheming against him a clever mind game or a heartfelt nod to one of the sport’s defensive geniuses? As Indiana looks to shatter decades of history against Ohio State’s ironclad defense, Mendoza’s showdown with Patricia isn’t just a game — it’s a narrative packed with respect, rivalry, and a shot at eternal glory. Intrigued yet? LEARN MORE.

The Indiana Hoosiers football team is gearing up for the biggest game in program history, and quarterback Fernando Mendoza is already making headlines before the first snap. As the Hoosiers prepare for Saturday’s Big Ten Championship Game against Ohio State, Mendoza’s remarks about Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia have drawn interest across the college football world.

During media availability this week, Mendoza drew attention with his honesty about his admiration for the opposing coordinator. According to 24/7 Sports’s Patrick Murphy, who took to his X (formerly known as Twitter), the redshirt junior praised Patricia while acknowledging the challenge ahead.

“Mendoza said he met Matt Patricia at the Manning Camp a couple of years ago and grew up a Patriots fan, so he’s a big Matt Patricia fan. He said the Buckeyes do a good job disguising pre-snap and reacting post-snap. ‘It’s going to be a tough challenge,’ but also called it a great opportunity against a great defense.”

The comments from the Heisman hopeful showcase the respect he has for Patricia’s defensive approach and the challenge of facing one of the nation’s top units. The Buckeyes have controlled opponents all season, giving up fewer than eight points per game, while the Hoosiers counter with the country’s second-ranked scoring offense led by Mendoza.

For the Hoosiers football program, this matchup is about far more than admiration—it’s a chance to rewrite history. Under head coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers have stunned the sport by reaching the Big Ten title game undefeated for the first time in school history. On the other sideline, Ohio State football aims to defend its crown behind a relentless defense and redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin.

The Big Ten Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium marks the biggest stage yet for Mendoza, who has surged into fan-favorite and NFL-prospect status. Facing the Patricia-led Buckeyes defense he grew up admiring, the young quarterback now has a chance to turn respect into results—and possibly deliver the Hoosiers’ first conference title since 1945.

The post Indiana football QB Fernando Mendoza admits he’s a ‘Matt Patricia fan’ before Big Ten title showdown appeared first on ClutchPoints.