Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has had an amazing season with the Hoosiers. On Friday night, he gets a chance to make it even better. A win over Oregon in their College Football Playoff semifinal game in Atlanta would send Indiana to the national title game for the first time ever.
The Heisman winner is considered a strong candidate for the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. All season, he’s remained composed in the biggest moments; exactly the kind of poise you want from your star quarterback.
According to Sports Illustrated, a reporter recently asked rising star Mendoza what kind of music he listens to before games to get pumped up. The 22-year-old offered an unexpected and surprisingly introspective answer: he doesn’t listen to anything at all. Rather than relying on hype tracks or familiar playlists, Mendoza prefers silence and a peaceful mind, suggesting that he finds focus and motivation within himself.
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Meditation and prayer keep the quarterback focused before kickoff
“Pregame honestly I don’t listen to hype songs because I have to stay cool, calm, and collected,” Mendoza said. “I actually meditate before the game. I meditate, I pray and I think praying, in a way, is meditation to help myself be in my thoughts.”
He explained that being able to carry out the game plan is important. The quarterback position requires a lot of mental work and focus. Other athletes have also shared their unique pregame routines, including what WNBA star Angel Reese recently posted on social media.
Mendoza and the Hoosiers are riding a perfect season as they head into Friday night’s matchup against the Ducks. So far, Indiana hasn’t suffered a single loss, making them one of the hottest teams in college football.
These two squads have already faced off earlier this year in Oregon, where the Hoosiers pulled off a commanding 30-20 road victory. With momentum on their side, Indiana will look to replicate that success as they take on a Ducks team eager for redemption. Mendoza didn’t have his best game in that matchup.
He threw for 215 yards and one touchdown. But he did enough to lead the Hoosiers to a big win in a hostile environment. College athletes face immense pressure both on and off the field, as seen in a recent wrongful death lawsuit filed by a student-athlete’s family. Now everything will be on the line in their second meeting at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The winner moves on to play for the national championship.
Published: Jan 8, 2026 03:30 pm