Indiana Targets 4,000-Yard QB as Next Move After Mendoza Era

Indiana struck lightning once with a transfer quarterback, and Curt Cignetti is determined to do it again. With Fernando Mendoza fresh off a historic Heisman Trophy season, Indiana is already preparing for what comes next at the most important position on the field.

The Hoosiers are closely monitoring the transfer portal, hoping to stay ahead of any potential change should Mendoza decide to leave early. Rather than waiting to react, Cignetti and his staff want a clear plan in place.

That plan could include North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker.

According to college football analyst Wilson F. Ball, two programs are emerging as the main contenders for Mestemaker: Oklahoma State and Indiana. Oklahoma State’s interest is closely tied to Mestemaker’s relationship with Eric Morris, his former head coach at North Texas, who has now taken over in Stillwater. Indiana, however, is firmly in the conversation, boosted by Mendoza’s Heisman win and the program’s recent rise.

Both schools see Mestemaker as a possible program-changer. For Oklahoma State, he represents a chance to climb from the bottom of the Big 12 into playoff contention. For Indiana, he could be the next piece in a system that has already turned a transfer quarterback into college football’s biggest star.

Mendoza’s path to stardom remains a powerful selling point. When he entered the portal, he chose Indiana over traditional power programs after Cignetti promised to help him become the best version of himself. That vision paid off in full. Mendoza not only won the Heisman, but also led Indiana to a Big Ten championship and a perfect 13–0 record, earning the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.

Mestemaker’s journey has been just as unconventional. He arrived at North Texas as a walk-on and was asked to contribute wherever needed, including defense and special teams. Quarterback was not always the plan. His opportunity finally came in the First Responder Bowl, where he threw for 393 yards on 26-of-41 passing and added a rushing touchdown, despite the loss.

That performance proved to be the start of something much bigger. The following season, Mestemaker emerged as the nation’s most productive passer, throwing for 4,129 yards and 31 touchdowns. He guided the Mean Green to the American Athletic Conference Championship Game, falling just one win short of a College Football Playoff berth.

Former North Texas head coach Eric Morris played a major role in Mestemaker’s rise, trusting his size and raw talent when few others did. That bond remains a major reason Oklahoma State is in the mix now that Morris is the Cowboys’ head coach.

Still, Indiana’s recent success may be hard to overlook. Cignetti has led the Hoosiers to two CFP appearances in two seasons and turned Bloomington into a destination for quarterbacks looking to grow and win.

After Mendoza lifted the Heisman Trophy, Cignetti summed it up with a simple message: “Great job, bro. You deserve that one.”

Now, as Indiana sets its sights on a national title, the search for the next leader under center is already underway.

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