The Raiders were favored to win the game, but with DeMeco Ryans deciding to play Houston’s starters for a limited number of snaps, the Texans’ defense proved too much for Mendoza.
The former Indiana star threw a pick-six to Wade Woodaz in the first quarter and only completed eight of 15 passes for 86 yards and no touchdowns.
NFL fans were quick to let the No. 1 overall pick hear it after the costly error. One fan :
“Yup. I knew he would be a bust!”
Another fan :“Welcome to the NFL, buddy. This isn’t college anymore.”
Fernando Mendoza Speaks on NIL Earnings
During an interview with Taylor Lewan’s ‘Bussin’ with the Boys’ alongside teammate Kirk Cousins, Mendoza was shy about revealing his NIL earnings but gave insight into why he chose Indiana out of the transfer portal.Mendoza :
“The one thing I do kind of enjoy, I think the vets enjoy, is usually when they get up there, they’ve had us tell a couple jokes, and they usually make you say your NIL amount, which is cool because I think some of the vets get to see the NIL world, especially with all the craziness.”
“But the thing is, I went to Indiana for legit 50% of the price of another school, in reality, 55% of the price.”
Mendoza spent three seasons with Cal, two of which were on the bench, before being named the full-time starter in 2024. After leading the team to a 6-5 record, Mendoza announced his intention to enter the transfer portal, ultimately choosing Curt Cignetti’s Indiana.
The move paid off for the 22-year-old as the Hoosiers completed a historic turnaround under Cignetti, winning the Big Ten championship and the national title, with Mendoza earning the Heisman Trophy in the process.
Read More:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in , , , , and
