While Miami viewed Mendoza as a walk-on, and Florida State took a pass on the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, his dismissal from major in-state programs motivated him to the position he is in today. Staff at both programs have undergone a serious overhaul since then, but sometimes, in Mendoza’s eyes, the sting of rejection gets you to where you want to be.<\/p>\n
“It Lit A Fire Under Me”![\"Fernando](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/01kfbyf718wqphnwmpg9.jpg\" "\\"Fernando")
<\/p>\n
Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws a pass against the Oregon Ducks during the third quarter of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
“After the camp (Miami), I was seeing if there was any interest, and they just said ‘hey, we might take you or consider you as a walk-on’, and even the fact of maybe them not valuing me, it lit a fire under me,” Mendonza said. “I probably wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity at Miami or a school like Florida State that I’ve gotten here.”<\/p>\n
Mendoza threw for 3,349 yards and 41 touchdowns in 2025, adding another 284 and six scores on the ground. Even after being rejected by both programs, the South Florida native still holds them in high regard.<\/p>\n
\u201cI pay respect to Miami\u2026 People do the upside-down U, but that is something that I’ll never do just because of the respect.”<\/p>\n
Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza Always ‘Respects’ #Miami<\/a> \ud83d\udc40 \ud83d\udd25 <\/p>\n \u27a1\ufe0f https:\/\/t.co\/rB0qxLBNAL<\/a>\u2026<\/p>\n pic.twitter.com\/qtLDXvspK2<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 TrintonBreeze (@TrintonBreeze) January 18, 2026<\/a>Respect Beyond Rivalry Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza answers questions at Media Day during the College Football Playoff on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. | Rich Janzaruk\/Herald-Times \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n Even though both the Seminoles and the Hurricanes passed on Mendoza, it only fueled his need for success, and the slight didn’t alter his respect for either program. He remained adamant about how the two schools molded his career. <\/p>\n “I respect Florida State, although I grew up a UM fan, and even though I was cheering against them, I respect them, especially when you see Dalvin Cook, James Blackman, and all those Florida State legends; Jameis Winston,” Mendoza continued. “And with Miami, Brad Kaaya is somebody I used to look up to. Those two teams, I have major respect for.”<\/p>\n Watch Mendoza and the Hoosiers compete for a national title against the Miami Hurricanes at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.<\/p>\n READ MORE: FSU football adds third transfer to offensive line<\/a><\/p>\n Stick with\u00a0NoleGameday\u00a0for more\u00a0FREE coverage of Florida State<\/a>\u00a0Football throughout the offseason<\/p>\n Follow NoleGameday on and\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>,\u00a0and\u00a0TikTok<\/a><\/p>\n More Florida State NewsFlorida State losing starting WR to college football transfer portal![\"Fernando](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/01kfbz1302qjche1pyq8.jpg\" "\\"Fernando")
<\/p>\n
<\/a>Florida State star DB transferring from program in shocking move
<\/a>FSU football lands East Carolina TE Desirrio Riles from transfer portal<\/a>FSU football lands SEC pass-rusher from transfer portal<\/a>