Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza was asked ahead of the Peach Bowl to talk about some of his pre-game rituals as he prepares to play the biggest game of his life.
When asked what "hype songs" he listens to, his answer was somewhat of a surprise: he doesn't do that.
"I gotta stay calm, cool, and collected," said Mendoza. "I actually meditate before the game. I meditate, I pray -- I think praying is a way of meditation."
Prayer, he says, helps keep himself in his thoughts, as "quarterback is such a cerebral position."
Before the Rose Bowl, Mendoza was spotted praying on the field. He would go on to lead Indiana to victory over Alabama.
Mendoza is open about his Catholic faith. He is a regular at Masses at Indiana's Newman Center, and even brought the Heisman Trophy to visit the parish priests. During his acceptance speech at the Heisman ceremony, Mendoza thanked God, and spoke about the impact his faith has had on his life.
Aside from pre-game prayer routines, Mendoza also commented on other steps he has taken to try to block out the chaos of the outside world and focus on football and winning a national championship.
Indiana had a bye in the college football playoffs, and Mendoza said he appreciated the break ahead of the Rose Bowl.
"Although there was a lot of media attention, especially after the Heisman, that was--grateful, I can't thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ enough for that, that was a great honor and award for all of us as an IU football program and team," Mendoza said "really stepping back" and returning to his normal routine was very helpful.
He also deleted all social media from his phone -- keeping only YouTube and LinkedIn.
"I'm not online reading 'Fernando's great,' 'Fernando sucks,'" he said.
Mendoza and the rest of the Indiana University Hoosiers play the University of Oregon in the Peach Bowl on Friday, January 9, 2026.
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