Fernando Mendoza ‘honored’ to compete in CFP, face Alabama: ‘Pressure is a privilege’
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Fernando Mendoza is as impressive as they come.
The 2025 Heisman winner and quarterback of the No. 1 team in football will lead his team against the Alabama Crimson Tide on Thursday in the Rose Bowl, with a spot in the CFP semifinals on the line. Ahead of that matchup, Mendoza spoke to Big Ten Network and outlined the mindset he has entering the race for the CFP title.
Specifically, Mendoza mentioned that he is ‘honored’ for the opportunity to compete while emphasizing that he and the Hoosiers haven’t achieved anything yet. “We don’t have this win in the Rose Bowl… we don’t have roses in our mouth yet. We’ve gotta go get it. We have to go take it. Especially against such a great team like Alabama, an SEC juggernaut, we’ve gotta go take it. We’re very blessed and honored for the opportunity.”
Mendoza also mentioned that the opportunity to compete comes with pressure, but that pressure is a privilege. Here’s more from Mendonza ahead of Thursday’s quarterfinal matchup:
Alabama is certainly going to have its hands full on Thursday. The Hoosiers boast one of the best offenses in the country and a stout defense that helped down reigning national champion Ohio State in the Big Ten title game. The Hoosiers are perfect on the season and face an Alabama team that has shown flashes, but has also been fairly inconsistent this season.
And while the Crimson Tide were able to completely shut down Oklahoma’s rushing offense, that job is going to be much tougher against the Hoosiers. Part of what makes HC Curt Cignetti’s team so dangerous is that offensive balance. Mendoza is a star with strong receivers, but he also has the benefit of an incredible offensive line that paves the way for a top 10 rushing offense in college football.
Thursday’s Rose Bowl is set to kick off at 4 p.m. Thursday on ESPN.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
