Key Highlights
- A viral clip by Barstool Sports personality Ella Grif comparing former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza to a “perfect ex” surpassed 1.2 million views in roughly two days.
- Mendoza led the Indiana Hoosiers to a flawless 16-0 season, their first national championship, and won the school’s first Heisman Trophy before being drafted No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2026.
- Despite a four-game losing streak, Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced Kirk Cousins remains the starting quarterback and confirmed Mendoza will not play against the New York Jets in Week 8.
Indiana Fans Still Grieving the Loss of Fernando Mendoza
Fernando Mendoza’s departure from Indiana still feels personal to some Hoosiers fans. On Barstool Sports’ Big Boys Club, Ella Grif summed up that feeling with a relationship analogy: “I’m sad because Fernando feels like the ex-boyfriend that was so perfect that you’ll never get back.”
She added that even another undefeated season and national championship would not feel the same without him.
The clip surpassed 1.2 million views in about two days after it was posted. Grif, a Barstool blogger and podcast host who studied at Indiana University Bloomington, has a personal connection to the Hoosiers. Her “perfect ex” comparison captures why Mendoza’s departure still feels personal to fans and why another championship might not fill the same emotional space.
From Bloomington Glory to the Las Vegas Raiders
Mendoza cemented his legacy in college football history by giving Indiana an unforgettable season in 2025. Under his leadership, the Hoosiers authored a historic 16-0 record to secure their first national championship. Mendoza also became the first player in program history to win the Heisman Trophy, capping off an unprecedented collegiate campaign. Following his historic college run, the Las Vegas Raiders selected him with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Despite his elite draft pedigree, Mendoza’s transition to the professional ranks has unfolded largely from the sidelines. After entering late in an NFL debut against New England, Fernando Mendoza praises Raiders’ fight after brutal loss to the Patriots in NFL debut. In that contest, Mendoza completed six of eight passes for 48 yards late in a 45-17 loss to New England. He did not play in the Raiders’ next two games.
Kirk Cousins Retains Starting Role Amid Raiders’ Losing Streak
The Raiders are keeping Fernando Mendoza behind Kirk Cousins despite mounting scrutiny. Las Vegas, which opened the season with a promising 3-0 record, has since dropped four consecutive games and entered Week 8 at 3-4. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak briefly said after the latest defeat that he was considering every option, but he then reaffirmed Cousins as the starter, saying there was “no controversy.”
Kubiak stated that Mendoza would play at some point, but confirmed that he had no timeline and the rookie would not play against the Jets this week. Cousins, meanwhile, had thrown 16 touchdown passes through seven weeks, one reason the coaching staff has stayed with the veteran despite the team’s losing streak.
Why This Matters
Mendoza’s transition underscores the delicate balance NFL franchises face when managing highly touted rookie quarterbacks. While college fanbases like Indiana’s continue to feel the emotional void left by a generational, championship-winning talent, professional organizations often prioritize veteran continuity. For the Raiders, standing pat with Cousins demonstrates a commitment to winning now with an established passer who has maintained high touchdown production, even as external calls mount for the No. 1 overall pick to take over. The Raiders visit the New York Jets on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 10 a.m. PT on FOX. The matchup gives Las Vegas a chance to stop its skid, but Kubiak’s latest comments make clear that Mendoza’s first start is still waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Fernando Mendoza accomplish at Indiana?
Mendoza led the Indiana Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 record and their first national championship during the 2025 season. He also became the first player in the history of the Indiana football program to win the Heisman Trophy before being selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Is Fernando Mendoza starting for the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8?
No. Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced that Kirk Cousins remains the starting quarterback, declaring there is “no controversy,” and stated that Mendoza will not play against the New York Jets.
What are Fernando Mendoza’s NFL statistics so far?
Mendoza has appeared in one NFL game, completing six of eight passes for 48 yards during mop-up duty late in a 45-17 loss to the New England Patriots.
