Fernando Mendoza is Indiana’s “perfect ex” even another title wouldn’t feel the same without him, Barstool personality says
Her comparison captured the nostalgia some Hoosiers fans still feel for the quarterback who led Indiana to its first national championship
F ernando Mendoza’s departure from Indiana still feels personal to some Hoosiers fans. On Barstool Sports’ Big Boys Club , Ella Grif summed up that feeling with a relationship analogy: “I’m sad because Fernando feels like the ex-boyfriend that was so perfect that you’ll never get back.” She added that even another undefeated season and national championship would not feel the same without him.
The clip surpassed 1.2 million views in about two days after it was posted. Grif, a Barstool blogger and podcast host who studied at Indiana University Bloomington, has a personal connection to the Hoosiers . Her “perfect ex” comparison captures why Mendoza’s departure still feels personal to fans and why another championship might not fill the same emotional space.
Mendoza gave Indiana an unforgettable season in 2025, leading the Hoosiers to a 16-0 record and their first national championship. He also became the first player in program history to win the Heisman Trophy. The Raiders then selected him first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Raiders are keeping Fernando Mendoza behind Kirk Cousins
Las Vegas, which started 3-0, has since lost four straight and entered Week 8 at 3-4 . Coach Klint Kubiak briefly said after the latest defeat that he was considering every option, but he then reaffirmed Cousins as the starter, saying there was “no controversy.” Kubiak said Mendoza would play at some point, but that he had no timeline and the rookie would not play against the Jets this week.
Mendoza has appeared in one game so far, completing six of eight passes for 48 yards late in a 45-17 loss to New England. He did not play in the Raiders’ next two games.
Cousins, meanwhile, had thrown 16 touchdown passes through seven weeks, one reason the coaching staff has stayed with the veteran despite the team’s losing streak.
The Raiders visit the New York Jets on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 10 a.m. PT on FOX. The matchup gives Las Vegas a chance to stop its skid, but Kubiak’s latest comments make clear that Mendoza’s first start is still waiting.
