Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza inks NIL deal with adidas

Ahead of the Big Ten Championship, Fernando Mendoza joined forces with the Three Stripes. The Indiana QB has signed an NIL deal with adidas.

Mendoza has put himself squarely in the Heisman Trophy conversation this year while leading Indiana to the Big Ten Championship. He leads the nation with 32 touchdown passes while completing 72% of his passes for 2,758 yards, to just five interceptions.

Now, Mendoza – who has a $2.6 million On3 NIL Valuation – is the latest college football star to sign an NIL deal with adidas as the company further invests in the space. The announcement comes just days before Indiana gets ready to take on Ohio State in the Big Ten title game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

“Excited to share that I’ve accepted an opportunity to join adidas!” Mendoza wrote in a LinkedIn post. “I’m very grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way and excited to bring my passion for sport, leadership, and work ethic to the Three Stripes. Let’s get to work.”

Mendoza’s decorated debut season at Indiana has the Hoosiers one of two undefeated teams left standing heading into the Big Ten Championship. IU and Ohio State are the nation’s lone 12-0 teams, and they will square off Saturday night for the conference title.

Additionally, Fernando Mendoza has become one of the biggest names in college football. His $2.6 million On3 NIL Valuation ranks No. 5 in college football and No. 7 in the On3 NIL 100, the first of its kind and defacto NIL ranking of the top 100 high school and college athletes ranked by their On3 NIL Valuation.

Adidas has signed a slew of big names in college football to its athlete roster this year. The company made big splashes by landing Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith and Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola during the offseason. In late August, adidas also announced Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson to NIL deals.

The brand is also capitalizing on top high school talent. Adidas announced a group of high school signees featuring top-rated recruits, led by No. 1-ranked wide receiver prospect Tristen Keys.