<p><strong>Fernando Mendoza</strong> didn’t just draw attention during the 2026 CFP game against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami">Miami</a> for his sharp throws and how challenging it was to operate against the Hurricanes’ defense. He also caught the eye of viewers<strong> because his palms appeared completely white</strong>, covered in what looked like a powdery substance.</p>



<p>In reality, Mendoza had what are known as<strong> “chalked hands,”</strong> something some quarterbacks use from time to time. The substance<strong> is typically rosin or liquid chalk</strong>, which helps improve grip on the football. Its use<strong> is not illegal</strong> in the CFP or under NCAA rules.</p>



<p>The substance Mendoza used during the CFP game against Miami <strong>costs between $9.99 and $30.99.</strong> It’s not only used by quarterbacks, but also by weightlifters to improve grip on the bar.</p>



<h2>Mendoza has not commented on his chalked hands</h2>



<p>So far, Mendoza has not addressed his use of liquid chalk during the 2025–26 season. It’s unclear whether<strong> it helped him post 41 regular-season touchdown passes</strong> and deliver his playoff and CFP performances, but it appears to work better than wearing gloves.</p>



<div class="ck-instagram"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTV6HUMkt61/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;margin: 1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:99.375%;width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px);width:calc(100% - 2px)"><div style="padding:16px"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTV6HUMkt61/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style="flex-direction: row;align-items: center"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 40px;margin-right: 14px;width: 40px"></div> <div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 100px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 60px"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0"></div> <div style="height:50px;margin:0 auto 12px;width:50px"></div><div style="padding-top: 8px"> <div style="color:#3897f0;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:550;line-height:18px">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0"></div> <div style="flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px;flex-grow: 0;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 20px;width: 20px"></div> <div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto"> <div style="width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px"></div> <div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent"></div></div></div> <div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center;margin-bottom: 24px"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 144px"></div></div></a><p style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:17px;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:8px;overflow:hidden;padding:8px 0 7px;text-align:center"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTV6HUMkt61/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Charlie Caruso (@charliecaruso8)</a></p></div></blockquote></div>



<p>Looking back at Mendoza’s time at California (2023–2024), there is no information indicating that he used liquid chalk or any other substance. During those two seasons, <strong>he threw for more than 4,100 passing yards with 30 total touchdowns</strong>, making the jump in production in 2025 a significant one.</p>



<p>The NCAA is clear that adhesive substances are prohibited. <strong>Liquid chalk is not specifically mentioned in the rules</strong>, but if a referee discovers a quarterback or any other player using a sticky substance, it must result in an immediate unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.</p>

What is the white substance on Fernando Mendoza’s hands during the 2026 CFP?

What is the white substance on Fernando Mendoza’s hands during the 2026 CFP? - Bolavip US

miniaturas

<p><strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/fernando-mendoza">Fernando Mendoza</a></strong> and the <strong>Indiana Hoosiers</strong> have put on a season for the ages in the <strong>NCAA</strong>. However, everything Curt Cignetti and company have ever cared for is still one win away. As Indiana takes on the <strong>Miami Hurricanes</strong> in the <strong>College Football Playoff National Championship</strong>, on <em>Bolavip</em> we take a look at the Hoosiers’ depth at the quarterback position.</p>



<p>Backup quarterbacks in <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">college football</a></strong> must always be alert and with their head in the game. At any given moment, their number may be called up. When it comes to Indiana, their QB situation may be unlike any other in the NCAA.</p>



<p>The Hoosiers know their best chance at hoisting their first national championship lies in the hands of the <strong>Heisman winner</strong>, Fernando Mendoza. However, Cignetti may be just as confident in his program’s backup as he <strong>has been cut from the same cloth as Fernando. </strong></p>



<p><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana">Indiana</a>’s second-string quarterback is none other than <strong>Alberto Mendoza</strong>, Fernando’s younger brother. The third stringer is Old Dominion senior transfer Grant Wilson.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/19160704/albertp-mendoza-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-565317"></figure><figcaption> Alberto Mendoza is the backup QB for Indiana</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Alberto Mendoza’s journey</h2>



<p>Although it took a while for Fernando to make his way to the school in Bloomington, Alberto jumped directly from Christopher Columbus High School (Miami, FL) to Indiana University. </p>


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<p>Alberto was ranked a three-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class and is now classified as a redshirt freshman. So far in the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa">NCAA</a> campaign, Mendoza has made several appearances late in games <strong>thanks to his brother and teammates blowing out almost every opponent</strong> in college football. </p>



<p>The youngest Mendoza at Indiana has <strong>completed 18 passes for 256 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception.</strong> In that regard, Alberto Mendoza has a bit more of experience than <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football/who-is-carson-becks-backup-qb-on-the-miami-hurricanes-depth-chart-for-the-2026-cfp-national-championship">Miami’s backup quarterback behind Carson Beck</a>, Emory Williams, who has rarely seen the field this year.</p>



<p>However, Alberto Mendoza has never seen the field in a game in which the opponent scored more than 10 points. Barring a crisis at the quarterback position, Alberto Mendoza won’t be thrown into the fire at Hard Rock Stadium.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/19143713/national-championship-trophy-1920x1080.webp" alt="National Championship Trophy" class="wp-image-565234"></figure><figcaption>The College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The Mendoza brothers return to The Magic City</h2>



<p>Fernando and Alberto Mendoza don’t care <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football/how-many-fans-are-attending-the-2026-college-football-playoff-national-championship-at-hard-rock-stadium">how many fans will be attending the National Championship Game at Hard Rock Stadium</a>—they know they have something to prove to their hometown. </p>



<p><strong>Back in the 305 to take on the Hurricanes in Miami Gardens</strong>, with the most coveted silverware in college football on the line, represents everything the two brothers have ever dreamed of. Needless to say, it’s set to be a memory the Mendoza brothers—and their family—will never forget.</p>



<p>Now, it’s about proving that <strong>one can indeed be a prophet in their own land</strong> — though in a different way — and that Miami made a costly mistake by not offering scholarships to the Mendoza household. </p>

Who is Fernando Mendoza’s backup QB on the Indiana Hoosiers depth chart for the 2026 CFP National Championship?

Who is Fernando Mendoza's backup QB on the Indiana Hoosiers depth chart for the 2026 CFP National Championship? - Bolavip US

Who is Mendoza's backup QB on Indiana depth chart for the 2026 CFP National Championship?

<p>The <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">college football</a></strong> season is coming to an end and will have its final chapter at Hard Rock Stadium, where the <strong>Indiana Hoosiers</strong> will face the <strong>Miami Hurricanes</strong> in the <strong>National Championship Game</strong>. This stage will bring <strong>Fernando Mendoza</strong> and <strong>Carson Beck</strong> face to face, undoubtedly two standouts at their position this season.</p>



<p>Both quarterbacks may have been the primary reasons their teams reached this stage, leading <strong>many to begin wondering whether the future of both <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/fernando-mendoza">Mendoza</a> and Beck could lie in the NFL</strong> once this season comes to an end.</p>



<p>While there has been no official confirmation regarding this situation—understanding that the focus is squarely on what may happen in today’s final—<strong>it is expected that both Fernando Mendoza and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carson-beck">Carson Beck</a> will declare themselves eligible for the upcoming NFL Draft.</strong></p>



<p>There is plenty of talk surrounding projections, and the <strong>Hoosiers’ leader and reigning Heisman Trophy winner is expected to be a high draft pick</strong>, even with the chance of being selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 1 overall pick. Beck’s fate, for now, remains to be seen.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/19134436/fernando-mendoza-1-1920x1080.webp" alt="Fernando Mendoza" class="wp-image-565217"></figure><figcaption>Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The Heisman Trophy is well deserved</h2>



<p>Fernando Mendoza solidified his place in college football history by <strong>becoming the first <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana">Indiana Hoosier</a> to win the Heisman Trophy</strong>, delivering a season for the ages in 2025. </p>


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<p>Leading Indiana to a perfect 15-0 record and a No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, <strong>Mendoza showcased elite precision and playmaking ability</strong>. He finished the campaign with 3,349 passing yards, an incredible 41 touchdowns against only 6 interceptions, and a dominant 90.2 Total QBR.</p>



<h2>Beck emerging as a big name</h2>



<p>Carson Beck has once again placed himself firmly in the first-round conversation for the 2026 NFL Draft after a resurgent senior season at Miami. Commanding the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-hurricanes">Hurricanes</a>‘ offense with veteran poise, Beck displayed the elite accuracy and processing power that scouts have long admired. </p>



<p>He capped off the campaign wit<strong>h 3,581 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, all while maintaining an efficient 81.4 Total QBR</strong>. Having led Miami to the national title game, his ability to perform on the biggest stages has solidified his status as one of the premier pocket passers in this class.</p>

Are Fernando Mendoza and Carson Beck declaring for NFL Draft after 2026 CFP National Championship?

Are Fernando Mendoza and Carson Beck declaring for NFL Draft after 2026 CFP National Championship? - Bolavip US

<p><strong>Fernando Mendoza </strong>is the winner of the <strong>2025 Heisman Trophy</strong> following a standout season in which he threw for<strong> 33 touchdowns and 2,980 yards</strong> to help <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana">Indiana</a> establish a <strong>13-0 record. </strong>The season was undoubtedly a showcase of his talent as a quarterback and the significant potential he has to offer.</p>



<p>Now, as a Heisman winner, Fernando Mendoza <strong>will have an extra boost heading into the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a></strong>, where he is sure to be a highly contested pick by teams in need of a top quarterback with innate talent and the potential to be a franchise centerpiece.</p>



<p>For Indiana, Fernando Mendoza winning the Heisman is a tremendously important achievement<strong>, as it is the first time in program history that one of their players has won the trophy. </strong>Furthermore, thanks to him, the team won a conference title this season, something that had not happened since 1945.</p>



<h2>Mendoza’s Heisman acceptance speech</h2>



<p>Among the things Mendoza said after winning the Heisman, he spoke about how sometimes <strong>you don’t need the highest-ranked players</strong> or rankings to go far with a team; the <strong>important factors</strong> are focus and believing that the talent you possess is enough to succeed.</p>



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<p><em>“The truth is, you don’t need the most stars, hype, or rankings. You just need <strong>discipline, heart, and people who believe</strong>, and you need to believe in your own abilities. I hope this moment shows you that chasing your dreams is worth it.”</em></p>



<p>He also dedicated some words to his former team: “<em>To my Cal family, thank you for being the first to believe in my future.<strong> Thank you for the opportunity, educating me and giving me the foundation</strong> that enabled me to grow into the person I am today.”</em></p>



<p>And of course, he didn’t forget his mother: <em>“Mom<strong>, this is your trophy as much as it is mine. </strong>You’ve always been my biggest fan …<strong> Your sacrifices, courage, love</strong>…,” Mendoza said. “Those have been my first playbook and the playbook that I’m gonna carry by my side, through my entire life…”</em></p>

Fernando Mendoza named the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, capping a dominant year

Fernando Mendoza named the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, capping a dominant year - Bolavip US

<p>In <strong>college football</strong>, the game isn’t over until the whistle blows and zeros are on the clock. <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indiana Hoosiers</a></strong> quarterback <strong>Fernando Mendoza</strong> made sure of that—and then some—during his program’s road win over the <strong>Iowa Hawkeyes</strong>.</p>



<p>Week 5 of the 2025 <strong>NCAA</strong> season had no shortage of drama. Across the country, Saturday was packed with tension and high-voltage action. That was also true for the matchup between Indiana and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/iowa-hawkeyes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iowa</a>, which <strong>ended in a 20-15 victory for the visiting Hoosiers in Iowa City.</strong></p>



<p>However, the game could’ve ended in a 20–13 triumph had it not been for a controversial play by Mendoza to close things out. With only three seconds left on fourth down, Mendoza was snapped the football before <strong>running all the way back to his own end zone. </strong></p>



<p>Taking the safety assured Iowa two points, but not the football back. The clock, however, had already hit zero well before Mendoza reached the end zone. As a result, many fans across the nation erupted in outcry as their <strong>bets were lost on a seemingly meaningless play</strong>. Now, Indiana’s signal-caller has spoken on the “money-costing” fiasco.</p>



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ONE OF THE WORST BEATS YOU WILL EVER SEE<br><br>The 2H spread was Indiana -5.5. It was tied at 10 at halftime. <br><br>Fernando Mendoza runs back 40 yards to take a safety to end the game and Indiana wins by 5 🤮 🤮 🤮<a href="https://t.co/e38kMMuGRQ">pic.twitter.com/e38kMMuGRQ</a></p>— Pikkit (@pikkitsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/pikkitsports/status/1972076669319184578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



<p><em>“<strong>I didn’t want to ever put our team in jeopardy</strong>,” </em>Fernando Mendoza said after the game, per<em> On3. “Maybe if I slide with one second left, there might be some quirk where we might have to punt it. I just wanted to get out of the safety, and I know I shouldn’t be saying this, <strong>I probably cooked people’s spreads and I really apologize for that.</strong> However, in that moment, my goal was to win the game.”</em></p>


        

        

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<h2>Betting on themselves</h2>



<p>As much or as little as Mendoza’s apologies do to the fans upset across the country, fans in Bloomington couldn’t care any less about it. Neither do the Hoosiers, who <strong>remain undefeated at 5-0 in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCAA</a> and 2-0 in the Big Ten</strong>. If anything, Indiana is happy to cash in on the wager they care: winning football games. The Hoosiers are putting all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college football</a> on notice. </p>



<p><em>“They aren’t happy,” </em>Mendoza added<em>. “But I definitely put my apologies out to them. For us, we are <strong>looking out for the Indiana moneyline, which is a win</strong>.”</em></p>


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="68d965eb7193bec65e18dae6" data-title="Who will win the Big Ten Championship?" data-options="7"></div>


<p>This win on the road over Iowa is a big step in the right direction and morale-boosting for a team that will need to be firing in all cylinders in their upcoming matchup. On October 11, the Hoosiers will make a trip to the Northwest, <strong>where the Oregon Ducks await in Eugene</strong> for one of the biggest matchups of college football’s Week 7.</p>

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Indiana star Fernando Mendoza sets the record straight on controversial final play in win vs Iowa - Bolavip US

Indiana's Mendoza sets the record straight on controversial final play in win vs Iowa

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Indiana's Mendoza sets the record straight on controversial final play in win vs Iowa