130 schools said no.
He led the losingest program in college football history to a national championship anyway.
Fernando Mendoza was a 2-star recruit from Miami.

He tried to walk on at his hometown school. They passed.
So did FIU.
So did FAU.
So did everyone else.

At 17, he… pic.twitter.com/Ibqegi2LRN

— DK🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸 (@1Nicdar) January 22, 2026

This is the pinnacle of all sports plays:

– Coach grinded for years, worked for peanuts before getting his shot. Infinite swag. "I win, Google me."

– Losingest team in CFB history. Now 15-0 and playing for a natty. Biggest turnaround ever.

– QB grew up in Miami. Tried to walk… pic.twitter.com/Ngv0Kr1IkF

— Bryan Micon (@BryanMicon) January 22, 2026

¡Mendoza, Mendoza, Mendoza!

ESPN's Spanish call of Fernando Mendoza's diving touchdown. pic.twitter.com/mGNalzzzWy

— Ryan (@Rygi13) January 22, 2026

Congratulations to @IndianaFootball on their undefeated season and national championship win! God bless these young men for sharing their strong testimonies about Jesus Christ! pic.twitter.com/7W3fKKaUlU

— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) January 22, 2026