Old Clip Of Fernando Mendoza Dressed In Miami Gear & Sounding Very Different Goes Viral Ahead Of National Championship Game [VIDEO]

Fernando Mendoza is set to face his boyhood team.

Fernando Mendoza is set to play the biggest game of his life in a few days. Unfortunately, it will be against the team he idolized growing up.

The Indiana Hoosiers quarterback has deep ties to the Hurricanes. He grew up in Miami, and the city played a part in shaping his football identity.

However, when it came time to choose a school after his stint in California, he chose Indiana.

According to reports, the quarterback turned down a lucrative NIL offer from Miami to play for the Hoosiers. He bet on himself and is now the reigning Heisman, about to compete on the grandest stage in college football.

Mendoza will lead Indiana against his hometown team on January 19. The sides will lock horns in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. It will offer the QB an opportunity to move up to the pros with the biggest accolades possible.

An old video of him speaking in an informal interview has gone viral ahead of Monday’s game.

A very different-sounding Mendoza attended a camp in Miami back in 2019. He spoke of his love for the quarterback position. He also shared some of what he learned in camp.

Check it out below:

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Nearly seven years later, Mendoza is way more polished behind the camera, to the point where people think he was designed by AI.

Why Fernando Mendoza Chose Indiana Over Miami

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza holding trophyIndiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (Grace Hollars/IndyStar-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Mendoza’s decision to turn down Miami and now lead Indiana against them is one of the most compelling storylines in sports right now.

It’s reported that he turned down an offer of over $3 million from Miami. He joined Indiana for $2.3 million, significantly less.

The Hurricanes would turn to Carson Beck.

Mendoza prioritized development over a bigger payday and a homecoming. He opted for Curt Cignetti’s system and the opportunity to play alongside his brother, Alberto.

Mendoza also believed that Indiana offered him a clearer path to the NFL. He was not wrong.