Transcript

Heisman Trophy Winner Fernando Mendoza on Visualization and Approach for the National Championship

From Stay Tranquilo · Episode page · Watch on YouTube

· 56 min · 12,303 words · 284 timestamped sections

This is the full, timestamped transcript of "Heisman Trophy Winner Fernando Mendoza on Visualization and Approach for the National Championship ", an episode of Stay Tranquilo published January 14, 2026 (56 min, about 12,303 words). It mentions 20 people, works and ideas, including Cal, Columbus, NIL, ACC, Oregon State.

What this episode is about

Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza discusses his journey from Columbus High School to being the starting quarterback at Cal, highlighting the pivotal moments and team spirit that led to their state championship victory. He shares insights on the importance of visualization and preparation as he approaches the National Championship.

Key takeaways

  • From 3-3 to state champs shows that a culture shift often trumps raw talent.
  • Discipline over stardom: two minutes late can bench the star; it’s the Columbus way.
  • They faced tough teams, but it’s the community support and belief that fuels victory.
  • Talent alone can't win; team unity and accountability are the true game-changers.
  • A quarterback's journey often mirrors his team’s—filled with ups, downs, and valuable lessons.

Who speaks in this episode?

What is discussed, and when

  1. – 5:00: Columbus, Elijah Roberts, Xavier Henderson, Cal
  2. – 10:00: Columbus, Harvard
  3. – 15:00: Harvard, Columbus, Cal
  4. – 20:00: Columbus
  5. – 25:00: Oregon State, Columbus
  6. – 30:00: Columbus, Cal, ACC, Washington State
  7. – 35:00: NIL, ACC, Florida State University (FSU), La Burrito
  8. – 40:00: NIL, Florida State University (FSU)
  9. – 45:00: Jackson State, Columbus, Elijah Roberts, Henry Parish
  10. – 50:00: Columbus
  11. – 55:00: Oregon State

Notable quotes from "Heisman Trophy Winner Fernando Mendoza on Visualization and Approach for the National Championship "

  • Truly a blessing and you know amazing to connect with the brotherhood as he said I went to Columbus class of 2022 so just show how the brotherhood is reinforced that's the best…
    about Columbus · at
  • Yeah,, so, that, was, a, special, year, in Columbus history. That year had been hyped up as we had a ton of national prospects like Xavier Henderson, Elijah Roberts, and the famous Henry Parish especially with the Sports Center run.
    about Xavier Henderson · at
  • Conference defensive player of the year he showed up like 2 minutes late or something like that. And coach Dunn didn't let him play the first half of the Western game.
    about Elijah Roberts · at
  • And, I, was, shoot., And, then, from, there, on,, I, never heard from Harvard. Wow.
    about Harvard · at
  • You got to get thrown in the fire. And I ended up picking it up. We had a great game offensive wise and we boat raced the number one team in the Pack 12. We was like we lost 40 to like 50 that game.
    about Oregon State · at
  • Okay, it kind of sounds pretty familiar to the Columbus little turnaround. And so, going, in, next, season,, we're, going, to the ACC, which is crazy because I could see the Pacific Ocean about that before. Holy cow.
    about Cal · at
  • About it again, I'm yeah, that's that's a big shift and a lot to come with that, which is exciting. So, let's get into some of that NIL talk.
    about NIL · at
  • Not it's truly not really being enforced. And that's where you see FSU, got, hit, with, some, sanctions, on, NL, right?
    about Florida State University (FSU) · at

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

  • Elijah Roberts — Person · Referenced teammate/opponent · 3 mentions · first at
    A Columbus star used to illustrate discipline (benched for lateness) and later referenced as an opponent Mendoza played against at SMU.
  • Xavier Henderson — Person · Referenced teammate / prospect · 3 mentions · first at
    Named as a major Columbus prospect and leader; also identified by nickname 'Doobie' in the team leadership group.
  • Henry Parish — Person · Referenced teammate / highlight figure · 2 mentions · first at
    Cited as a famous Columbus player tied to a SportsCenter run and emblematic of the team's hype and talent.
    Hyped up as we had a ton of national prospects like Xavier Henderson, Elijah Roberts, and the famous Henry Parish especially with the Sports Center run.
  • Jaylen Carter — Person · Referenced elite opponent · 1 mention · first at
    Used to emphasize the level of competition in the state championship game; described as a top-10 NFL draft pick now with the Eagles.
    And we were lucky enough to win the state championship against great players. We played against Jaylen Carter, who was a top 10 pick in the NFL draft. you see him now in the Eagles. He's like wrecking, things.
  • Jordan Garcia — Person · Referenced teammate/leader · 1 mention · first at
    Named among seniors who led the mid-season culture reset at Columbus during the championship run.
    And a couple other teams that we were highly favored to win. So at that point some of the seniors like Jordan Garcia and so many other guys like Max Velar Elijah, Doobie, which…
  • Max Velar — Person · Referenced teammate/leader · 1 mention · first at
    Listed among Columbus seniors who helped rally the team and enforce accountability during the turnaround.
    Highly favored to win. So at that point some of the seniors like Jordan Garcia and so many other guys like Max Velar Elijah, Doobie, which is Xavier Henderson, they all kind of…
  • Doobie — Person · Referenced nickname/alias · 1 mention · first at
    Identified explicitly as Xavier Henderson's nickname within the Columbus leadership group.
    Some of the seniors like Jordan Garcia and so many other guys like Max Velar Elijah, Doobie, which is Xavier Henderson, they all kind of brought us together and was Hey like we…
  • Drew Bledsoe — Person · Referenced historical example · 1 mention
    Mentioned to illustrate how quickly a football career/starting role can change after an injury (contextualizing NIL risk).
    Especially like Drew Bledo... never know someone could rise up.

Companies & orgs

  • Cal — Company · Core organization / team discussed · 3 mentions · first at
    Cal is Mendoza's current program; the episode covers his signing, transition to Berkeley, starting opportunity, schedule, and move to the ACC.
  • Columbus — Company · Core organization / formative context · 21 mentions · first at
    Columbus (the all-boys school in Miami) is central to Mendoza's background, the state-title season, and the 'brotherhood' culture repeatedly referenced.
  • ACC — Company · Core topic (conference realignment) · 2 mentions · first at
    Cal's move from the Pac-12 to the ACC is discussed as a major shift affecting travel, competition, and expectations (ACC title goal).
    Okay, it kind of sounds pretty familiar to the Columbus little turnaround. And so, going, in, next, season,, we're, going, to the ACC, which is crazy because I could see the Pacific Ocean about that before. Holy cow.
  • Oregon State — Company · Referenced opponent (breakout start) · 3 mentions · first at
    Oregon State is the ranked opponent with the Pac-12's top defense that Mendoza started against, marking his major on-field breakthrough.
  • Florida State University (FSU) — Company · Referenced program in NIL/ACC context · 2 mentions · first at
    Used as an example in ACC strength, NIL sanctions discussion, public-record pay transparency, and transfer-portal roster building.
  • Harvard — Company · Referenced recruiting contact / anecdote · 4 mentions · first at
    Appears in a story where Mendoza mistakenly praised Yale on a Harvard recruiting call, ending Harvard contact; also referenced via Ryan Fitzpatrick.
  • La Burrito — Company · Referenced NIL partner business · 1 mention · first at
    Local Berkeley restaurant where Mendoza launched a signature burrito as an NIL/community initiative benefiting the National MS Society.
    Yeah., So,, the, we, launched, the, Mendoza burrito at the local Mexican Berkeley spot that everyone goes to, La Burrito.
  • National MS Society — Company · Referenced beneficiary / cause · 1 mention · first at
    Receives proceeds from the 'Mendoza burrito' NIL/community campaign, tied to Mendoza's mother having MS.
    For a long time. Ended up getting to meet the owners and we ended up creating this burrito where all the proceeds go to the National MS Society.
  • Jackson State — Company · Referenced NIL example program · 2 mentions · first at
    Cited in the Travis Hunter NIL flip story as an example of money influencing recruiting decisions and platform considerations.
    Jackson, State., Jackson, State, was, not going to give you the best shot of making it to the NFL because the NFL scouts, even though he might have all the raw talent in the world, are looking.
  • SMU — Company · Referenced opponent / ACC entrant · 1 mention · first at
    Mentioned as the team Mendoza played against (Elijah Roberts) and as one of the programs joining the ACC alongside Cal and Stanford.
    OCAL, Stanford, and SMU are coming to the ACC. And everyone's All right, we got a couple low-level teams coming to the ACC.
  • Washington State — Company · Referenced opponent · 1 mention · first at
    Listed among the ranked opponents Cal faced during Mendoza's starting stretch, illustrating schedule difficulty.
    One time they were number four in the nation. And then we play Washington State who was ranked earlier in the season.

Concepts & topics

  • NIL — Concept · Core topic · 2 mentions · first at
    They discuss NIL's rapidly changing rules, enforcement gray areas, locker-room dynamics, transfer leverage, and how money affects culture and decisions.

Full transcript with timestamps

We're here with uh Fernando Mendoza class of 2000, class of 2022 from the from the from the C pride. Um and also quarterback at at Cal right now. Um we're going to get into a ton of things. Um but before we get started, would love for you to give a little intro about yourself and tell tell the people some of the things you got going on.

For, sure., Yeah., First, of, all,, thank, you so much for having me on. of course truly a blessing and you know amazing to connect with the brotherhood as he said I went to Columbus class of 2022 so just show how the brotherhood is reinforced that's the best you know all boy school in Miami

we, got, the, we, got, the, camera, guy, back there also Columbus guy oh, yeah pooch, the, pooch

and, then, I'm, now, the, cow, quarterback, so it's been a long journey from Miami all the way to kind of the San Francisco area but it's been an amazing journey I'm blessed through it all

yeah, I, I, think, Uh, let's, rewind, to, before the cow days, right? Yeah. And, your, your, time, at, Columbus., You, guys won a state championship which also was a a big deal at Columbus after a long stretch of not being able to get it done. Uh can you talk about what that year looked like a little bit at Columbus and kind of how everyone rallied around you guys?

Yeah,, so, that, was, a, special, year, in Columbus history. That year had been hyped up as we had a ton of national prospects like Xavier Henderson, Elijah Roberts, and the famous Henry Parish especially with the Sports Center run. Every everybody in the Columbus community was like

"That's, right., That, was, a, that, was, a stiff arm, right?" Yeah,, that, was, a, stiff, that, was, like especially on Bland. That was like the epitome of Columbus football.

Oh, my, god,, I, forgot, about, that. So, iconic., So, we, started, the, year, off really really strong and I was lucky and part enough to be a part of it and throughout the season by our sixth game although we had all the hype especially the national level with sports center and I know we were pretty ranked pretty highly on max preps we ended up being like three I believe it was three and three like 500 and we lost some subpar teams at the time which like South Dade and a couple other teams that we we were highly favored to win. So at that point some of the seniors like Jordan Garcia and so many other guys like Max Velar Elijah, you know, Doobie, which is Xavier Henderson, they all kind of brought us together and was like, "Hey like we need to turn this around. This is our last chance." Cuz they lost in the States the last year by like a two-point conversion.

So, they, already, favored, to, go, to, States being 500 in the start of the season. And usually like Columbus, they go to the start of the season a little easier and then they pick up the games to like more of the national season. starts to pick up.

Yeah., So,, being, already, 500,, they're like, "Oh, shoot." Like, "We need to pick it up or else that's it. Our promise that going from junior year, all those guys to senior year, we're finally going to win it. We're finally get over that hump. Like, we need to change something." And that was when a big culture shift happened. And we had so much talent on the team. But one of the things that stood out to me is when they played Mandarin and they lost to them they're like, "Hey, Mandarin came out. They were all in the same matching uniform. They were all like single file line and although that's you know it's insignificant you know they're like oh whatever maybe they're like the coach makes them do it like that it was a big thing is that we had so much talent on the Columbus roster but it needed to be more disciplined right

needed, more, discipline, and, the, players took that account anyone that who's late one minute 2 minutes 3 minutes even as a star player

they, got like, repercussions we, played, Western, later, in, the, season Elijah Roberts who was like American Conference defensive player of the year he showed up like 2 minutes late or something like that. And coach Dunn didn't let him play the first half of the Western game.

Holy, [ __ ] Which, was, like, a, playoff, game, at, that point. And it was like a big game. Like we weren't winning by a ton. We weren't favored.

And, it, was, to, show, the, team, like,, "Hey, this is discipline. This is Columbus way. We're not doing like any of this

superstar, massage, treatment, like, you Columbus. We're playing the best players and we're being disciplined." I think that's like a big thing with Columbus you know, everybody. We're kind of the grinding, you know, over there in Westchester. So I think that's that's when it really the culture really connected to the football program

and, Elijah, I, mean, he's, amazing, guy., I play against him this year at, SMU., So, I, mean, he's, a, phenomenal player. He's going to play in the NFL one day.

Got, to, mark, that, on, the, calendar. Yeah., Then, after, that, it, was, kind, of

it, was, free, flowing, from, there., Uh, the starting quarterback Moody ended up getting injured and I ended up subbing in for six or seven weeks and we ended up battling it out throughout the playoffs. And since that 500 mark that we talked about, undefeated since then. And we were lucky enough to win the state championship against great players. We played against Jaylen Carter, who was a top 10 pick in the NFL draft. I mean, you see him now in the Eagles. He's like

wrecking, things. Where, the, hell?, Wait,, where, did, he, go, to high school?

A, popka. A, popka., That's, right. And, the, only, reason, he, didn't, go, like top five was because of character issues, which has nothing to do on the field. You know, on the field, you're not

stud you're, not, asking, for, a, handshake. You're just scared of the guy. And so I mean that was a great season and see Columbus and the community like even though I didn't actually well I I held the field goal

but, although, I, didn't, actually, like really really contribute to in the actual state game I was able to contribute to the season

and, I, saw, the, aftermath I had like three or four parades like it was like Columbus alumni who knew who I was and I was like

the, backup, quarterback., There, was, a, time that I was I forgot what it was, but I know I was in a rush to get the sunset place to meet with one of my friends and I backed into somebody had a car accident and I was like, "Oh, this is so terrible." You know, I was like a 10th grader. It was my first time driving. And the guy was like, we ended up figure obviously with insurance, but it was a lot easier through the process cuz he was a Columbus alumni, his brotherhood. He was like, "Yeah, just one. Let's go."

A, Columbus, story., It's, like you, you, run, you, run, into, the, guy,, you're thinking like the worst case scenario and, all, of a, sudden,, of, course,, it's, a Columbus guy and he knows, yeah, you can play football Columbus. Oh, don't worry about it. You're good.

It's, a, Tesla., At, this, point,, when, they just came out, I'm like, "Oh, shoot." Like, I'm grounded for sure. So

that's, hilarious., Yeah,, that's, cool., I mean, like you said, it was it was like uh the parades and everything. It was like uh it was like

if, we, won, like, a, Super, Bowl, essentially, but at the high school level. I mean that's essentially what it is. But the Columbus Network like took it personal and like they they really rallied behind. I mean there was watch parties at Sports Grill. Like it it was a big deal.

Um, so you, win, the, n, the, the, the, state championship obviously, then, you, become, the, the starting quarterback the year after right?

Yeah. And, then, you, play, you, you, finish, your career at Columbus and then you start getting recruited. Can you talk about that recruiting period in your life where you know you start getting offers from schools and kind of you know making that decision of like what what's what's the next step in your in your life. Can you kind of go through that process?

Yeah., And, the, one, word, I, would, use, to describe football recruiting would be subjective as it's not like swimming or track that they have the times like hey we know you're this good. We know you're 39 seconds. This guy's 40 seconds.

Right?, There's, so, many, aspects, of potential of size of just the character development and how good they are as a player overall and I think a big lack in my recruiting process was the co and obviously you know everyone could blame co and I'm really thankful on my journey ended up going out and I thank God for it all the time but so once I started springtime is when the coaches come and see you especially at quarterback quarterback's very subjective position you see people like Tom Brady playing and you know like Josh Allen. We also have quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and like Brock Pury. They're all super different styles. It's not like O line where we want the biggest baddest guy.

It's, very, subjective., So, at, that, point none of the coaches could come. And since all the national recruits played their sophomore year, the entirety of their sophomore year, it was tough to get recruited. So I had to wait till after junior year till after I had all the film cuz the camps were still shut down.

So, I, couldn't, the, coaches, couldn't, see me in spring nor summer. And it was like wishy-washy if we were even gonna play because of how bad it was in Miami.

About, that, whole, COVID, time., Yeah., That put the hole wrench in things. So, no, one, could, see, me., And, then, after my junior year, we had a great junior year. We went undefeated. We unfortunately did not win state because we didn't have the opportunity. We won the Tri County, which we got a ring for because we were the two highest ranked teams. It was Deerfield Beach. Okay.

And, Columbus,, and, we, won, that, game., So we, hold, that, as, a, championship., It's, not a state championship, you know, but it's definitely a championship. And so after that, my film after junior year going to senior year, that's when I was really able to kind of mobilize my recruiting process. But all the schools like Alabama, Georgia, all these huge schools already have their guys going into junior year. I mean, senior year.

Yeah. Like, if, you, see, the, Elite, 11 Mhm. like, those, guys, make, bank, off, of,, hey, like watch our Elite 11. We have the Georgia guy, we have the Alabama guy and all these huge fan bases come together.

Yeah., They're, they're, recruiting, way early in the process. Yeah., And, you, already, know, who, the, dudes are by 10th, especially 11th grade.

Yeah. That's, when, it, really, is, 11th, grade., And then so up to my senior year, the only real offer that I had was Yale.

And, I, was, like,, bro,, I, mean, Yale. Let's, go., Like, I, guess, like, we're, not really into football.

Yeah., Great, academic, program, obviously. Yeah., Great, academic., Like, hopefully, I make big bucks on Wall Street one day to make up for football. But and nothing against Yale. I mean

it, could, have, been, like, the, next, Ryan Fitzpatrick and he's, uh, he, went, to, he, went, to, Harvard, right? Harvard. That's right.

Funny, enough,, that's, I, talked, to, all like most of the Ivy Leagues. I, talked, to, everyone, except, well everyone except Harvard and every one of the recruiting pitches were you can be like Ryan Fitzpatrick. Oh, they didn't even go to the school.

And, which, was, showed, a, little, bit, of, a red flag cuz I'm like you don't have your own NFL players to talking about another guy.

You, know, I, want, to, play, in, the, NFL., that's, my dream, that's my aspiration, that's what I'm going to do. So, in my whole heart that's what I believe. So, you know, I threw a little red flag, but I'm like "Hey, it's a great opportunity, great school, and it's a platform. It's a platform to play football."

And, actually,, funny, story,, the, reason, I didn't talk to Harvard is because I got on one phone call with them cuz coach Dunn, he actually coached at Harvard.

Really? So,, he, said, I, think, he, coached, at, Catholic, for, a little bit. Yeah., So, he, coached, at, Harvard, and, he sent the contact and at the same time the school was committed to Yale said "Hey, we're going to call you soon." Like from like like the recruiting room with all the coaches and stuff like that. So I get a call. I'm like, "Okay cool." And I pick up the phone and oh, it says Connecticut cuz the coach was from Connecticut. And so I pick up the phone thinking it's Yale, but it's really Harvard. So I'm on the phone this guy for 10 minutes not knowing. and Yale and Harvard. This is like real deal.

President's gonna this game. That's rivalry right there. And, I'm, like,, I, can't., And, one, like, a five minutes of the call in, I'm like he's like, you gotta come up to campus. I'm like, I can't wait to come up. You know, New Haven's a great place. You know, go Bulldogs. And he's like, whoa what did he just say? And I was like yeah, go Bulldogs. You know, yay, Yale.

Holy, crap. And, I, was, like,, at, that, moment,, I, just knew he's, like,, you, know,, the, moment, where you're like

yeah,, you're, like,, I'm, not, this, pretty nice language. You freaked up, you know. I was like, "Oh." And he was like "That's a bad side of the river. Like don't talk about that school." Like, and all that stuff.

Was, he, like, genuinely, upset? He, was, genuinely, upset. Holy. He, was, upset., And, obviously,, they, want to recruit.

That's, a, crazy, story. And, I, was, like, shoot., And, then, from, there, on,, I, never heard from Harvard. Wow.

Welld, deserved., But, yeah, you, know what?, It, wasn't, meant, to, be. It, wasn't, meant, to, be.

It, wasn't, meant, to, be. But, then,, yeah., So,, I, was, committed, to Yale my senior year. We had a good senior year, but good is we made it to the semi-finals, but now in Columbus, my little brother, he just won two backto back junior senior. So, so that's a down year. So, we so we had a down year for Columbus football.

And, after, that, season,, I, was, kind, of like, okay, I'm going to Yale. We got accepted January. I mean, everyone already signs in December. January, I was like, okay, I'm about to press like hey, like, let me metriculate to the system. Let me go to Yale, you know? And then I get a call and I'm like, "Okay like what's this call?" And it's the Cow Coach saying that the their quarterback flipped to UCLA on signing day and now they're scrambling all ahead. They're like, "Oh, shoot." Like all the quarterbacks already signed. Where do we go? And since legally you can sign people until like February 3rd they still

Wow. like, had, an, option, to, sign, me., And, the only reason the signing period's so above

and, you, had, no, contact, with, them., West Coast I, barely, even, knew, like, I, obviously, knew Cal Stanford

of, course., Yeah. I, knew, like, Aaron, Rogers, Marsh, Lynch, but like I never watched like a cow game. I was, like, Cal, you, know what, I, mean?

I, literally, called, one, of, my, friends Marcela, Mueller., He's, at, Michigan, now., I was like hey man like you know anything about cow cuz we're on the phone like and stuff like that. He's like yeah great business school. I'm like all right sounds good. And I talked to the coach. which I obviously researched more about Cal.

Yeah. And, I, was, lucky, enough, he, said,, "Hey, we're going to come down and see you throw."

And, that, day, I, was, sweating, bullets., I'm like "Okay, this is my chance." Because do I go Cal with Aaron Roger, Jared Goff,

or, do, I, go, to, like, the, Ivy, League? Ivy, League, with I'm, a, Miami, guy.

I, went, on, my, visit, Yale., Loved everything except about it except it was negative4 degrees when I went. Yeah.

I, mean,, I, can't, play, football, degrees, you know, every day. That's rough. So, I was like, "Let's go." Ended up going well. They offered me a scholarship and I signed like three days later.

Wow., What, a, crazy, turn, of, events, at, the last hour, too. Last, like, I, really, thought, that, I, was going to go to Yale. And my mom kept on saying like, "Hey, you're going to get a power five." At that point, there were five conferences

right? Rip, the, Pack, 12., But but, uh, I, was, like,, "No, way,, mommy., Like, there's no way. Like, I'm going to Yale." And then magically happens. So moms always know.

Moms, always, know. They, always, know., It's, weird. Um, Damn,, that's, pretty, awesome., Well,, so then now you sign with Yale, I mean with uh with Cal and then you start that process. You fly in basically that summer essentially, right?

And, start, doing, all, the, practices, taking your classes and all that. How was that transition from East Coast to West Coast?

Yeah., So, before, I, say, that,, funny, story. Yale doesn't have any scholarships because they're Ivy League, right?

So, I, actually, signed, on, the, December signing date with Yale and then I for real signed in February with Cal. So Mr. McKeon, athletic director, is like "You're the first players to ever sign twice in Columbus history." But

that's, funny signing, that, paper., I, mean,, I, I, didn't know what my life was going to come to. I mean, the West Coast.

Had, you, visited, the, campus, before?, I visited it once for two days, but it was like really quick because I got to get back and sign the document to go because the deadline

and, I, never, been, to, California, in, the first place like prior, to, that., So, I, was, like,, "Okay, nonetheless, San Francisco." Like I visited campus and stuff, but

cuz, where, where, exactly, is, Cal? It's, 20, minutes, out, of, San, Francisco. Okay.

And, it's, it's, literally, sandwiches, San Francisco, Oakland, and then it's sandwich in between there. And then up above you have like Napa and stuff like that where Stanford is. Okay.

So,, it's, right, by, the, coast., You, can, see the water from the stadium and everything like that. And

so,, I, was, like,, "Okay.", And, when, I, tell you it's literally Miami flipped upside down, like everything opposite, it is. I mean, everyone's a little bit more relaxed.

It's, definitely, very, different., And luckily I had a I had great roommates and a great support system to kind of get adjusted there cuz I saw like couple kids who you know it's tough moving away from home you know moving away from home for

it's, a, tough, transition full, time, full-time, job, and, are, kind, of like okay like maybe should I sign with my hometown team you know

and I was lucky enough to have a great support system and have a smooth lane like obviously there was points or I was homesick once.

Yeah. And, smooth, points, that, you, know, I, didn't get a the culture it was a little bit of culture shock like especially in Miami like in the high school whenever you meet somebody you're like hey how you doing and give them like a little hug and stuff like that. So there's like a little

athletics, are, were, like, touchy. Yeah., Like, very, touchy, you, know, and there's a little athlete thing you call all the new athletes. I'm like okay. And so I'm obviously with my football boys and we meet another sport like another woman's sport. I think it was like a track team or something. I can't remember. And I go like, "Hey, how you doing, Fernando?" They're like "Whoa whoa, whoa. What are you doing?"

That's, like, the, the, kiss, the, kiss, on, the cheek. I remember like the first time I did that was like I think in like New York or Boston or something. And it was the same [ __ ] I went I went there to like say, "Hi, I'm Andre and they're like,

"Was, this, guy, trying, to, kiss, me, right now?" Like, what's going on here? Yeah., Where, are, these, guy's, manners?, So, a little bit of reality check there. And I got to like check back in when Miami and

you, got, to, adjust Berkeley., So,, that, was, definitely, a little bit of a a, culture, thing., And, there's, a, ton, of ton of amazing Asian food over there.

Okay. Ton, of, amazing, Asian, and, Indian, and, a lot of Mexican food over there. So that's something I've been kind of exposed to.

No, kroettas, and there was like at, the, facility, we, had, there, was, like, a a day it was like Cuban sandwiches and everyone like knows I'm Cuban, you know being from Miami and stuff and they're like, "Oh, Cuban sandwiches." and I ate it. And the chefs at our school are amazing, like world class because they got to serve world class athletes.

And, I, love, all, them., Shout, out, Mr., Rob, that's my guy. But the Cuban sandwich and I was like, "Oh, it's just not the same." You know, like it was still good but it was not the same. And all my all my friends were like "Oh, it's a Cuban sandwich taste like."

Yeah., For, them,, it's, like,, "Holy, [ __ ] it's amazing." But yet for you, you're like, "This is

like, come, down, to, Versace, or, Kasakua, or something, man." You know? So Oh,, yeah., That's, cool., Um,, one, question I actually wanted to ask you. Did you ever get recruited by like M or FIU or like I mean considering like the local right?

It's, it's, tougher, to, get, recruited, from I know yours was a little bit different cuz it was like at the last hour kind of thing but

they, like, to, recruit, locally., Did anything really happen there conversationwise?

Yeah,, like, you, said,, like, all, schools like to recruit locally like Miami like their motto recruiting obviously want to pull the plenty of talent down here.

They, want, to, build, a, fence,, you, know. That's what they've said in multiple interviews and stuff. They want to build a fence, all the talent to go right to Miami.

And, I, did, get, recruited, by, FIU,, but the, coach, knew, that, he, was, getting, fired and he

was, Butch, at, the, time. It, was, Butch., It, was, under, that., And, it was like the quarterback coach. He was like "Hey, I know I'm getting fired in two weeks." They already told me during that time

mess., And, they're, like, "Hey,, I, know, I'm getting fired in two weeks, but I'm going to, give, you, this, offer

just, so, you, can, get, their, name, out." Got, it., Okay., But, I, mean,, there's, no saying that the new coach is gonna

right?, He's, gonna, have, his, system, and who's who's to know that he's actually gonna bring in the people that he was trying to bring in.

He, just, said, that, he, liked, me, a, lot, and that if he was still the coach that he would take me in, but

that, he, didn't, have, that, opportunity anymore. That he wanted to give me kind of for like social media that if if some school says, "Oh, look, FIU offered him. Let me take a look at him."

Right., Exactly. And, then, that, senior, year, beforehand,, it was still the Manny. It was the Manny Diaz. rain. And so I went to the camp and I was I was pretty heartbroken cuz it's you know, I had a really good camp and stuff like that. Like they knew who I was cuz the Columbus quarterback and stuff like that. And they the the coach at the time kind of told me like, "Hey like we'll maybe look at you for a walk-on spot."

Gotcha. Here. And, I, was, like,, and, I, had, confidence, in myself. I thought it was good enough for a scholarship spot, you know?

Yeah., Yeah. Like, you, proved, you, proved, it., And, so, I was definitely heartbroken then. I was huge Miami fan growing up and everything and

it, kind, of, did, something, like, something similar to my little brother. They were kind of like, "Hey, like

we, really, like, you,, but, you, know,, we don't think you're you're that guy right?"

So, it, was, a, little, heartbreaking, for both of us, but luckily I have the chance to redeem myself as we play this year.

Oh, yeah., So, let's, get, into, that., Let's talk about uh So that was year one for you, right? At C.

So, this, was, year, two., I, registered, my first year. So you you registered year one and then but technically eligibility wise

year, two, yeah, you, play, this, year., So from what I remember, quarterback one gets hurt at Cal, right?

And, then, that's, where, you, came, in, and started playing, right? Yeah., So, it, was, kind, of, a, weird scenario. I know you want to talk about NIL later, but

I, do. One, of, this, great, guy, amazing, guy., We, bring, in, this, we, bring in this C two quarterbacks actually.

One, from, TCU, and, one, from, NC, State., And throughout the entire fall camp, we're all battling all three of us. And it ends up shaking out like the last practice. Like at one point I was starting and it ended up shaking out the last practice that I was actually third.

Holy, cow. Going, into, the, game., Like, it, was, very like hairs. Wow. Like it was this comp a 1 B and 1 C essentially

basically., And, so, the, starter, goes, in and the starter and the second string. They kind of battle it out for the first four or five games. They kind of like they both they both like one of the first has minor injuries but then he ends up getting the starting job again but then he loses it to the second string guy. So it was kind of like our quarterback situation was shaky at the time.

Gotcha. And, the, sixth, game, I, was, like, a, little impatient but I was also like okay like

my, you, know, my, time, will, come., this, this no no one's playing lights out here, you know, like and to take our team to the next level, we need good quarterback play, especially that's what like all teams need NFL, you know

the, reality, is, quarterback, is arguably, the, most, important, position. And, although, they're, great, guys,, great quarterbacks, they know they're going to do great things at their next school. Like at that point in time, the production wasn't there. And the coach called me, funny enough, on my birthday I was talking to my family. I got to call I got to hang up.

Coach, is, calling., Yeah,, coach's, gone. Coach is gone. This is this this might be important. He's like Sunday night. And he's like, "Hey, Fernando, just want to let you know we we value your preparation. Everything you've done for the program. You're starting, next, week., No matter, if, you throw 20 million touchdowns or 20 million interceptions, you're playing for the entire game. Prove me right. Get ready." I'm like, "Oh shit."

Wow. Yeah. I'm, there., I'm, like,, "Got, to, hang, up, guys." Like, you know how, many, days, before, the, game?, Seven days. Seven days. And at that point like, I, had at, a, midterm, that, week., At that point, I'm like, "All right, this is my this might be my only chance ever

being, a, two-star, recruit,, like, very lowly recruited, like to ever play like a and start a college football game especially at Cow at a power five level

100%." And, that, week,, we're, playing, Oregon State, who at that time had the number one defense in the Pack 12 over Oregon over Washington, over UCLA.

Were, they, ranked, at, that, time? They, were, ranked., Yeah, they, were, ranked., They, were, like, 13,

top, 15. Top, 15., They're, they're, 12th, in, the nation, I think. And, I, was, like,, "Wow.", So, that, night,, I literally go and that entire week, 7 to 9:00 p.m. just in the film room learning everything about them. Learning everything about them. And I was able to find out like a little bit of tendencies with them, which helped me on the field. And I was like, no matter what, I want my preparation to be so well and so I mean just be so like well thought of and just be so deliberate in my preparation that I'll be able to sleep well at night.

Whether I throw 20 million interceptions or 20 million touchdowns, I want to sleep well at night knowing that I did everything possible that humanly possible that I could do to make sure I have a good performance. And I get out there the first two throws in the dirt. I mean I am nervous. Like my body is like like oh my god. College football game like Columbus play

in, cow, or, in in, cow. Okay. It, was, a, night, game, and, it, was, like, I'm like oh okay like a tropical park we have 200 to 500 people.

That, game, it, was, like, 50,000, people there. Holy, cow. You, know, and, you, just, look, up, in, the stands and you kind of get a little shell shock. You're like it's like the lights like this that you can barely see if you look in the lights. you you could try to mentally prepare for that moment but you can't because you have nothing to like as a foundational piece to do that.

And, that's, a, big, thing, why, everyone, red shirts. They're like, "None of these quarterbacks are ready enough to play. You got to get thrown in the fire." And I ended up picking it up. We had a great game offensive wise and we we boat raced the number one team in the Pack 12. We was like we lost 40 to like 50 that game.

Yeah,, I, remember, it, being, a, shootout. It, was, a, shootout, though., that, game., I mean, they've the Oregon State defense only averaged like 12 points allowed per game.

That's, incredible. Until, until, up, to, that, point., And, so that was that kind of led me into, hey, you're starting the next week.

Exactly. And, then, we, played, Utah., And, let, me, tell you, you, guys, had, a, crazy, stretch, of, of, of games.

The, first, five, games, I, played Oh,, no., I, played, the, last, six, the, last six games all teams were ranked at some point top 20. Yeah. At some point

we, play, Utah, then, you, play, USC, who's, top 10 nationally in the whole game. That game was insane.

USC., Then, we, play, Oregon, who, was, a, New York they were like number six there. One time they were number four in the nation. And then we play Washington State who was ranked earlier in the season.

That's, right. We, play, UCLA, who, was, ranked, at, that, time that we played them.

And, it, was, crazy., And, being, from, the east coast, you don't understand and I don't I didn't understand the west coast environments. When I went to Oregon when I went to Utah, when I went to the Rose Bowl, UCLA

it's, things, I've, I've, always, thought, of, you know, Do Campbell and Hard Rock and like all these other and like Clemson but going to these stadiums, it was surreal. It was like, wow. Like, I'm really playing in this. like two years ago I was didn't have I only had an offer to Yale and now like I'm playing against UCLA to fight for bowl eligibility the first bowl we've we've made in the last four years you know what I mean it's like this is a big game or Stanford sold out I'm like this is like huge like historic environments too

historic historic, I, mean, Stanford, no matter, who wins by how much or how well they're doing that year they stormed the field

absolutely the, year, before, we, only, won, four, games. They storm the field when we beat Stanford, you know. So

yeah., No,, I, that, I, I, can't, even, fathom, you know, and it's it's crazy like hearing it from you what the emotional side of it is, you know, like there's you as a fan, right? Like growing up watching that as a kid and looking at those environments and being like, damn that is sick, right? Like I want to witness that at some capacity. and then being in that situation without really much of a expectation you know, like you're saying, "Hey, week whatever that week was that you started you're starting here and well, by the way, you're going to keep starting now because you're performing well." So every week is a new level of preparation that you're not necessarily used to.

Obviously, you did your preparation at Columbus and you had your level of preparation there, but you're you're in a power five program going against some of the best teams in the country

and, it's, just, like, go, figure, it, out. Yeah. Like, it's, crazy. Exactly., And, like, you, said,, like, there was no expectations. So I had my wristband, the three things in my wristband was praise God, it was play by play because something like quarterback you do preparation, you got to analyze the defense. At Columbus, all we got is to put it into the non- football audiences cover three and cover one which are very simple defenses

right? And, Cal, through, the, entire, stretch, of like those six games, I saw over 30 different coverages.

So,, it, was, like, and, it, all, happens, very fast. And no one in high school, no one disguises right?

They're, disguised, and, you're, out, there trying to like speed, too, on, the, other, side, of, the, ball. I mean, you're talking about speed is is is way higher in in in in that level of football. uh size, smart, you know everything. You're getting the best of the best on both sides of the ball.

Yeah., And, I, mean,, this, year, we, played last game in UCLA I, don't, know if, you, watch, NFL, draft,, but it was very offense heavy.

Yeah. And, the, first, defensive, player, took was, Latu., We, played, him. Mhm., That's, right., He's, Utah.

Uh, no,, he, was, UCLA. UCLA., UCLA. UCLA., So, I, look, I'm, looking, at, the, draft and I'm watching him sack me. I'm like "All right, cool."

Hey,, that's, me. I'm, like, "Hey,, that's, me.", Yeah., Like all, of a, sudden, I, had, like, three, people call me like my Columbus guy buddies and they're like, "Hey, it's on your TV." I'm like "I don't want to hear about it." You know

not, the, right, way, to, see Not, the, right, way, to, see, me, on, TV., So, wow.

I, mean,, it, was, really, cool, like, being, in these environments and seeing how much it meant to everybody. And it's a surreal experience.

It, was, definitely, very, surreal. Yeah., So,, what's, uh, what's, kind, of, the expectation this year?

Yeah., So,, this, is, the, best, we've finished in a while. And the one thing that I would say that's why we had such a we were so improved last year was because of the culture change. Like mid year we're kind of like hey we lost to Oregon. We got killed by Oregon.

It, was, like, 60, to, like, third, like, 20, or 30. Yeah., Yeah., It, was, bad.

And, we, were, like, all, right, we, need, to win the next three games to make a bowl game.

No, matter, what, the, coaches, say,, no matter what anybody says, administration like we need to come together players in differences. we got to like start being accountable and you need to just level it up at all. Work harder, prepare harder, play harder. And I was like okay, it kind of sounds pretty familiar to the Columbus little turnaround. And

so, going, in, next, season,, we're, going, to the ACC, which is crazy because I could see the Pacific Ocean about that before. Holy cow.

I, can, see, the, Pacific, Ocean, from, the football offices and now we're playing the Atlantic Coastal Conference.

Yeah., Holy, cow., So,, it's, going, to, be, a lot of long flights, but next year, I mean, the Pack 12 was super competitive last year. I mean, I think almost every team was like almost every team was like ranked.

Yeah. Like,, so going, to, the, ACC,, I, mean,, our expectations are you, know,, through, the, roof., I, mean, we're definitely like we made

No,, you, you, realize, you, guys, can, compete in that conference coming from the conference that you guys came from last year, like you're saying, was stacked essentially. um and what seems to be a weaker ACC essentially. Obviously still got the Clemsons, the FSUs, the Miami.

Can't, ever, take, anything, away, from, those programs obviously, but realistically, I, think, you, guys, got, a shot.

Yeah., So what, side, are, ACC, are, you, guys, on? I, mean, what, is, it, the, division?, What, is it? Remember there it's uh

the, Coastal, Atlantic, co I, think is, that, what, they're, called?, Coastal, and Atlantic. I don't even know

to, be, honest., I, should, be, more, educated on that. I don't know. I mean, I just know the opponents we play and although people

That's, all, that, matters., It's, not important. Yeah., Deema, has, a, weaker, weaker, ACC conference. You still never want to take anyone for granted. Like

Wake, Forest, 2022, they, were, in, the, AC, championship, and then this year they had like a down year. They're worse than ACC. So that's like that those turnarounds can be super quick because of the transit portal.

True. Like, a, team, has, a, need,, they, fill, it, up like this. Boom. Like FSU, Miami, both new quarterbacks.

Yeah., So, the, transport,, you, really, never know who's going to be good. Yeah. And who's going to be a little bit more poor. So I mean this year our goal is ACC championship and we know that if we win the games that we need to win

you, know,, even, if, we, have, one, road, bump or two road bumps, you know, throughout the way that we still have a really good shot at it

and, we're, all, really, confident, in, it. It's a long season and you're going to run into those road bumps along along the year and it's

obviously, coaches, got, their, job, but, I think you said it best like the players are going to rally and that sense of leadership obviously in the locker room is extremely important

and, keeping, everyone, focused, on, what what the end goal is too you know I think that's that's always crucial you look at the most successful programs historically and it all starts with the internal kind of cultures in inside and and the attitude and you know no big egos in the locker room where no one's better than anybody else. It's it's a team sport at the end of the day and you got to rally amongst each other through the good times, right? Cuz it's always good. Everyone could be on the high horse when you're you start the season 4 and 0, but guess what? You can go lose the next four games and it's a completely different temperature in that locker room.

For, sure., For, sure., And, like, you, said, it all starts internally and I think that we all have a chip on our shoulder just because you see and you see like we see the articles and stuff like that. OCAL, Stanford, and SMU are coming to the ACC. And everyone's like, "All right, we got a couple low-level teams coming to the ACC."

They're, like,, "What?", Like,, "We're, going to go win this thing." Yeah. And, you, see, FSU, trying, to, get, out, of, the ACC conference.

Obviously, for, playoff, reasons,, but, we're like, and, in, their, thing,, they, said, that, Cal and Stanford weren't like competitive enough or something like that. And we're like, "Okay, we play you guys like like we'll see about that." And stuff like that. Obviously, they're a powerhouse program and we respect them

but, it's, we, have, a, chip, on, our, shoulder. We know a lot of teams don't want to come out all the way to the West Coast and make that six, seven hour flight to come play us.

I, know, they're, not, going, to, be, excited to come play us. So,, we, know, we, can, take, advantage, of them there. Or, hey, Cal's coming in our house, you know, whatever. It's Cal and then boom. And then we could surprise them. So

Oh,, yeah., No., Yeah., You, guys, got, a, chip on your shoulder, a ton to prove. I think that's exciting. Do you play Miami?

Play, Miami, and, FSU. Miami, here. No,, we, play, Miami, there., And, then, next year we play Miami here.

When, When's, that, Miami, game, over, there? I think it's a little it's like later, season, or, six, game.

Maybe, make, a, little, road, trip, out, there. That would be sick. Yeah. I'm, not, a, Miami, fan, though.

He's, a, Miami, fan. There, you, go. Yeah. He, always, gives, me, crap. But, yeah,, man., That's, exciting,, huh?, I, I love it. I forgot that you guys were going to the ACC. We talked about it before, but I now that we're talking about it again, I'm like, yeah, that's that's a big shift and uh a lot to come with that, which is exciting. So, let's get into some of that NIL talk. Obviously, that's the talk of the land and ironically enough. Something happened, you know, yesterday with the whole NCA lawsuits and all that stuff.

So, there's, a, ton, going, on, in, that, world. Uh, what's your point of view of like NIL right now and kind of the landscape that you've kind of seen it um I know you guys did a campaign too um with a burrito or something over there in uh so

in, California. Yeah., So,, the, we, launched, the, Mendoza burrito at the local Mexican Berkeley spot that everyone goes to, La Burrito. And I've been friends with the employees for a long time. Ended up getting to meet the owners and we ended up creating this burrito where all the proceeds go to the National MS Society.

Nice. And, my, mom, has, MS., So,, it's, a, cause, and very dear to my heart. And I love my mom. She's my inspiration. Like we talked earlier on the podcast about her you know, having the belief in me and Tom Brady said that all the great ones have always someone

that, loves, them, unconditionally., And, my mom loves me unconditionally and I love her unconditionally as well. So that was something that was really cool. It would have a positive impact in the community. You know, walk around campus, you're like,, you, know,, I, have a, burrito,, you know. So it's pretty cool. But no

it, was, a, burrito. It's, uh it's, like, it, was, like, Cuban, inspired too right?

So, it's, it's, Cuban, inspired., So,, you know, it's, you know, we try to do a little pork, but the restaurant doesn't serve pork. But we, but we got around to do some chim chur and stuff in it, and we're doing some future

more, Cuban, heritage, aspects, later, down the line that we have planned. But oh, yeah,

like, you, said,, the, NIL, space, how, I, see, it, and, a, lot, of, my, teammates see it

and, a, lot, of, people, just, that, like people that in the NIL space, like I, wouldn't, say, agents,, but, I, would, say people that you know, collectives, yeah maybe agents, stuff like that.

The, rules, are, changing, so, rapidly. There's so much overturn. No one knows what's legal, what's not, what do you get in trouble for like and stuff like that. You saw like

saw, a, ton, of, gray, area, in, there. So, much, gray, area., Yeah,, some, some programs are very, oh, I don't we don't we don't want to take that risk

which, you've, seen, a, couple, programs, do. I think Boise State uh came out saying something like like no NIL deals are coming through here and it's maybe probably part of that reason. It sucks because players are obviously looking for that because they want to get paid.

Players, looking, for, that. But, it's, Yeah,, I, didn't, know, it, was, like that though.

And, a, lot, of, programs, are, like,, "All right, no grayer. we're going to attack

you, know, and, so, there's, been, a, lot, of, discussion, I mean, especially on the administrative level, if you want to get in trouble or not, but it's not being enforced. It's not it's truly not really being enforced. And that's where you see

FSU, got, hit, with, some, sanctions, on, NL, right? I, think, I, think, they, got, some, sanctions, but I think none of them is severe. You know, they're not none of them are losing. I mean, to what does NIL outweigh the costs? You know, they bring in this amazing transfer class. They're great. They go to the college football playoff. They don't care about those sanctions anymore. Exactly.

You, know,, and, all, this, and, all, the, NIL stuff is just other programs trying to

blackmail, and,, you, know,, bring, down other programs. Exactly., But, the, one, thing, that's, super interesting,

but, that, kind, of, salad, mix, of, everything together of the NIL transfer portal and all these new rulings

is, that, you, said, all, the, great, teams start, inside, the, locker, room, is, the, ego

thing, now., Hey,, I'm, not, better, than, you. You, and, me, are, the, same., We're, brothers, right?

I'm, going, to, fight, for, you., You're, going to fight for me. No ego. We're the same now. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Now we're being valued. You're worth 100K. I'm only worth 20k. What do you mean we're the same? You know, maybe you get on me it's, like, you're, at least, you're, getting paid more.

Yeah,, exactly. So, yeah,, the, money, makes, it, changes, the whole dynamic. Money, changes, the, politics, of, the, locker room. You don't see it at cows. We have a really good culture and it's

and, no, one's, like, putting, money, in, other people's faces and stuff like that.

But, at, other, programs, that, I've, heard,, I have friends at, not going to disclose that they say like, "Hey, like people are like, "Hey, I'm making this much. Like, what are you making?" and they're not making anything. And nonetheless there's still walk-ons on the team that are paying for college

right? That, like, especially, like, a, cow,, we, have a couple walk-ons who are going to be like great this year, you know

their, own, pocket., And so,, I, mean,, it's, it, puts, a, lot, of politics in the locker room and especially with the schools now, now the rulings even makes it more complicated. Mhm.

The, rulings the school's paying directly like for example FSU public school that needs to go on record. How much you're paying everybody cuz they're employees.

So, now, you, can, search, up, online, how, much is the FSU quarterback? Very, true.

How, much, is, all, these, how, much, are, all the Gator players getting, paid?

And, I, think, that's, going, to, have, a, lot of animosity within the locker room and people

that's, going, to, set, an, expectation, too. Imagine you're going to go you're a player that's being recruited. you're going to go now look it's like okay FSU they're getting paid 50k here you know UCF they're getting paid 25 they're getting paid 100 and then you're like well I'm going to go there then because I'm seeing that they just are paying their student athletes x amount of dollars and it just alters decision making now too it's it's

that, to, me, is, kind, of, like the, part, that, I, wish, they, could, have maybe put a little bit more emphasis on when they were kind of trying to build this program out of all NIL and

and, some, of, these, other, things, that, the NCA is doing right now. But right, now, it's, like, highest, bidder, just go there, you know, and then what's what's what it's creating is these players aren't even f so focused on football. Obviously, they're extremely talented and they have every right to go to these programs, but they're so more worried about their personal image as a person, right? and building their brand and getting the social media followers and and having all this hype around them. Yeah. Because then what is it gonna do? That big donor that's got a million dollars is going to say, "Hey go over here."

And, I'll, never, forget, the, day, that Travis Hunter got flipped to Jackson Jacksonville State or Jackson State right?

Yeah. Portoy, basically, bought, him, for, a million dollars essentially and because he was boys with Dion and Dion got him to go there. but he was an FSU guy number one recruit in the nation at the time, and flipped for a million dollars. Obviously, they went to Colorado and he got a bigger platform and a bigger stage. But if you're thinking NFL Jackson State or Jacksonville State, it was Jackson State, right?

Jackson, State. Jackson, State., Jackson, State, was, not going to give you the best shot of making it to the NFL because the NFL scouts, even though he might have all the raw talent in the world, are looking at him and saying, "Hey, you know what? You're not really playing against the best of the best. So, how can we really accurately grade you to make it to the pro?" He just took the money and rode. They maybe had a plan of action that Dion wasn't going to be there for a while and then obviously made it to Colorado and and all that, but you you can already see that people were altering decisions based off of the fact that where am I going to go get the money? And I get it. Imagine being that kid that didn't have that comes from a rough, you know, rough neighborhood that their mom is working six jobs. Their you know, the brothers all share a bedroom and there's six of them in the bedroom. money is essential, but at what

cost does it become a problem, right? Like obviously there's the essential component that these kids deserve to get paid, but there's also the component is like greed and like you said, egos that get involved and I think that creates a larger problem in the long term of all of this.

Yeah,, it, creates, a, large, problem., I mean, a couple things I'll say about is football. First off, all everybody understands it's in the business. Football is a very, very physical sport right? At any point you saw like Jordan Travis,

boom. That's, a, good, That's, another, good, point. Let's, say, let's, say, if, he, was, like, in his first year, boom.

Yeah. His, NL, value, goes, down, at, least, like $500,000, you know, with a torn like like destroyed knee and everything.

Like, luckily, he's, like, playing, in, the NFL now, which is amazing for him. But

it's, very, physical., I, mean,, you, never know when your last snap's going to be. I mean, and you never know, especially like Drew Bledo, like

his, last, snap, and, he, could, come, back, but you know, never know someone could rise up.

So,, I, mean,, the, NIL,, I, mean,, especially with the transfer portal is that kids are entering the transfer portal now and they're getting these offers and whether they go to these schools or not, they have value and they have leverage their own school. They're like, "Hey, FSU wants to pay me 50, right? What are you gonna ma are you gonna match it or what's gonna happen?"

Yeah. And, then it's, a, mini, NFL, basically., And especially with the egos and stuff like that with the brotherhood. Like one thing you see about the Columbus. Why I think Columbus is so great at football now is the brotherhood. The culture is established. And I mean we we all go work out there like you said. Yeah. Like Jordan, you know, like Elijah Roberts Henry Parish, Xavier Henderson, Shiloh Conway, and Trinity Conway. I mean, you just see all the Columbus guys working out there. Yeah.

And, we're, all, working., It's, cuz, we, were together for three, four years. Transfer portal. You're me and you are boys and let's say you're the receiver. They bring in somebody and he starts right over you because they pay him.

That, creates, a, little, bit, of, tension, in the locker room. Absolutely. You know we've been boys for four years and all of a sudden they bring somebody else in. That could throw off the entire locker room dynamic.

Like,, whoa,, whoa,, whoa. Chemistry. Our, boy, Johnny. Yeah. Like, he, was, the, guy., Now, all, of, a, sudden you're bringing somebody else in. Oh you're bringing someone else to my position. You don't believe in me. You're paying him more than me. So, it gets really I mean is it's a fierce landscape and

I, mean, hopefully, some, regulations, get put on it's, going to, it's, going, to, take, a, while I think to balance out. I mean I think it was the inevitable of what was always going to happen but

it, was, just, like, I, think, they, just, said we're, going to, open, the, floodgates, up and we're we're going to figure it out as we go. I mean, I the reality is the NC, you know, college football was making a ton of money, you know, so they had to make a way for everybody else to kind of benefit, you know, on the player side of it, but they kind of just said it's the wild west and we'll figure it out as we go and we don't really care what happens in between. But, I mean eventually with all this money that's going to, be, poured,, you're, going, to assume, that, there's, going to, have, to, be some sort of like cap.

Yeah., I, mean,, you, would, think, so,, but you never know. Especially with I saw a lot of you know private equity they want to get into college football that it's been like a whole

Saudis talking to the Saudis about trying to buy him out to go to another conference.

Yeah., So, I, mean, it's, I, mean, it, is, crazy. But the one thing I will say and, the, one, hope, it, has, for, a, lot, of players is like you said a lot of players aren't really focusing on football, now., You, know what, I, mean?, And there's ton of like YouTube channels and there's ton of like all these monetizing

but, for, the, people, who, you, know, have that Tom Brady mentality that Kobe Bryant mentality whatever you want to deem it as there is so many distractions that people are getting so so distracted that it's I would say that it's pretty not easy because nothing's easy but it's easier than ever to get to the NFL Because kids want to stay an extra one or two years to get paid more.

Kids, are, now, like,, "Hey,, let, me, just, I'm doing social media now." You know

and, so, if, you, were, to, be, a, college player who would, grind,, let's, say, every, back, in, the day, everyone used to grind head down. No, everyone's like, "I need to make it to the league for the money, you know no matter what neighborhood or where you grow up, like I need the money. I want to be successful in my career." So everyone puts their head down, grinds grinds, grinds, grinds, grinds. Then you have that whole entire pack of players like, hey, trying to enter their third year, the year of eligibility or their fourth year.

But, now, you, have, players, who, are grinding distractions, you know, like doing photo like photo shoots, just doing whatever

brand, deals,, whatever,, all, that, stuff that goes into it. Yeah. And, maybe, too, much, at, some, point, that, if you were to really grind, grind, grind grind, grind, grind, it could put you

ahead., It, could, put, you, a, step, ahead. Not saying that it's a golden ticket but it could put you a step ahead

100%. Then, you, would, not, have, been, exposed, to and kind of Yeah,, it's, a, good, point., You, almost, look at it as like an advantage um compared to, you know, a distraction essentially where, hey, I'm not going to partake in that for the most part. You know, I might do a thing here and there, but my goal is football and I'm going to double down on football because that's what I want to do.

Yeah., And, like, I, heard, a, story., It, was, a kid at, don't quote me on this, but it was a kid in the It was ACC conference. It, was, a, team, in the, ACC, conference, and a quarterback, you get four games for red shirt and basically he played four games in the middle of the season cuz the starter got hurt and they wanted him to start the last three games of the season, but he said, "No I want to forego those three games. not play, let someone else play cuz I know my NI NIL value is high and I want to transfer somewhere else.

Are, you, serious? So,, they, let, another, kid, play, who, ended up being better than him and a kid's NIL value dropped.

I, ended, up, transferring,, but, like holy, snow. But, also, like, people, need, to, realize like if you're not playing those three games like that shows other schools how you like what your character is, you're a quarterback. You're a leader.

But, still,, people, are, so, enamored, with their NIL value. Oh, I'm being treated amazing. and not being treated enough that they're always looking for the quick way out. Hey, like I

like, just, look, at, what's, in, front, of you. Like you're starting at this ACC program, you know, like

this, is, amazing, opportunity, what, you have. Don't, take, for, granted, like, yeah, like you might make an extra whatever couple dollars. I mean the end goal should be the NFL. I mean my end goal is NFL cuz that's where

you, know, that's, been, my, dream, stuff, like that. That's, awesome., That's, a, good, that's, a good point. It's it's cool hearing that you know, from you as a player and hearing like kind of like that internal point of view because it's it's a monster of a of a topic right now.

Yeah. Uh, before, we, wrap, up,, we're, going, to, do like a a quick uh rapid fire questions.

Um, so, um, first, question, I, wanted, to, ask you was what's, your, favorite, Cuban, dish?, Like when you're back here in Miami, do you have a like a go-to uh dish that you have to go to? Uh, the one thing I will say, it's not really a dish, but I would say it's a side.

Okay, Roses. Everyone,, I, got, to, have, it., I, I, was, a fairly skinny kid and now I've bulked up cuz these guys like I see them on TV but when they're hitting you in person I mean, it is like

I'm, like,, HOW, COULD, EVEN, SOMEONE, even grow and be that muscular? Get, up, if, I, took, one, of, those, guys.

I, need, to, show, you, I'll, show, I'll, show you a picture after. Maybe you can put it on the screen, whatever. this guy at Oregon, he sacked me and I'm like, "This guy can't be real." Like, "How is he really? He's like taller. I think I'm a tall guy. Guys, way taller than me, way stronger than me, just so I need to bulk up a little bit." And even from a young age, like playing in Columbus, like higher level football. And so my mom would make the best out of roast freehole. And it's not the same as just putting a can of white rice and a can of black beans. Like there's there's an art to making

homemade., It, hits, different. It, hits, different., So, I, would, say, that's that's my thing right there.

Nice., Uh,, do, you, have, a, favorite, route that you like to throw? Oh,, okay., So,, I, would, say, I, mean, to, be honest, whatever gets me the completion would be the right answer and whatever gets the ball to my playmaker the easiest, but I would say my favorite play I would say kind of like with the routes. I mean, it needs to be like a bread and butter play. I love especially for us, I love the play action plays as we have amazing running back, an amazing offensive line, running back Jay, he's like ranked the third running back in the nation this upcoming season.

So,, everyone, bites, up., We, have, like, an either a nice big post go or corner route and a couple overs to one of my best friends, a tight end, Jack Andre.

Oh,, yeah. And, then, a, couple, people, in, the, flat that's easy to check down to. So, those are some of my favorite plays. But whatever whatever Coach Blush calls shout out Coach Blush and Coach Gilbert. So, whatever they call, I'm good with

You're, good, with, that?, What's, uh, what's the game day playlist look like? So,, funny, enough,, my, philosophy, changed on that midway through the season as a quarterback the week of the Oregon State game. The reason I was in there 7 to 900 p.m. wasn't because I was working out or wasn't because, you know, anything physical cuz at that point, the work's done. You're not gonna do anything in a week that's gonna elevate your game

major, from,, you, know,, maybe, like, a mid-performance to an amazing performance right?

That, work, goes, in, the, offseason., You just got to stay healthy. Mentally, a, quarterback., It's, like studying for a final every week. I have an entire routine every week.

Saturday, game,, we, win,, happy,, whatever, celebrate with my teammates. Sunday come in. I need to at least watch and label four games of that team. whatever his previous season. If he's a DC at another school, watch that team. He was it the year before. I need to watch at least four games. Monday's first downs. First down and 10. Tuesdays second downs. Wednesdays third downs. Uh th wait, Wednesday's third down, uh third downs. Thursday, uh we have like red zones and special situations like two minute fourth downs and all that stuff. And then Friday kind of like a little test. So, what I'll do is I'll play those four games back and I'll be like pause it pretty snap and I try to go through this pretty quick. I be like "Hey, what coverage are they playing?

You know, we'll play what I call here." So, I kind of have the call sheet there and I'm like "Hey, we'll play what I call here." And then me and the OC, we kind of go through it. So, when I'm already I'm there, we're dope Campbell. It's third and three. I'm like, "All right, Wednesday, I already know all the coverages. They do third and three." So I'm like, "I'm expecting this call and this call." and the play calls uh the OC calls it and I'm already ready for it and I'm like we're in the same mentally kind of viewing exactly what to expect in that situation.

Yeah., So, I'm, going, through, my, notes, the entire week and that's why you see quarterbacks like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady so successful. They're not as talented as Patrick Mahomes or all these other guys physically

but, their, preparation but, their, preparation., And, that's, the thing is when I listen to all the music especially the music that gets disposed in the football space of all like the rap and hip-hop

it, kind, of, clouds, my, brain., Yeah. It's, like, you're, getting, so, hyped, up, I'm getting so hyped up, I can't think straight,

you, know?, I'm, getting, so, hyped., I'm going with the momentum. Quarterback,, I, had, play, by, play, because you can't go with momentum. You need play by play. Hey, new player, reset. You got to stay grounded and you got to stay in

got, stay, grounded., The, moment, you, go with the waves, I mean that's that's when it gets a little risky cuz yeah you can go up but as soon as you go up one one or two back completions, you go down and

the, team, goes, down., So, I, actually, like, I saw Josh Allen, he actually listened like the classical music or like it was like ray gay or something like very chill.

And, so, I, started, doing, that, but, then, the end I just stopped on game days. I just don't listen to music

really because, it, clears, my, head, and, that's something that I find a lot more. you just getting in your head and just yeah allowing you not to have any external distraction just literally you thinking and visualizing everything.

Visual, visualization, is, key, and, one, of my mentors Mike Powski who played a cow when they were number nine in the nation and played many years pro he said the biggest thing that took a step up in his game was visualization. So that's something that I'm working on now a lot that I can implement this season.

Yeah,, you, you, see, that, a, lot, with, a, lot of the biggest athletes across the board. golf, you know, golfers are really big about the visualization because that's such a mental

drain, essentially, where, you, don't, have, a team around you to, you know, elevate you or motivate you. It's it's you thinking about the shot and not getting too much in your head when you're standing over that ball. You know football obviously same thing. baseball same thing where they're there before the games visualizing every scenario in their head, you know, and visioning go make that play, you know, to left center field where I might have to

be, full, sprint, and, make, that, play, on that wall, right? Or the throw at home or the pitch that I got to throw, you know, like all that's in your head and it's a good point because yeah, music emotionally can get you up, right? You know, it has that effect, but like you said, it can actually dilute it because you're not thinking about the things that are going to go into your actual performance.

Exactly., Exactly., And, some, of, those, like visualization, one of the big things you visualize like especially in those pressure moments. So when all the adrenaline and cortisol runs through your body, you recognize it and you're like, "Okay, I'm not going to let this affect me." Cuz it's like fight or flight. You don't you don't want to a lot of people get scared in the big moment and there was a couple moments last year that I was like

oh, shoot, like, I'm, in, this, moment, you know like this is like hey winning play like what are you what are we going to do I'm talking to myself

and, being, with, a, visualization, this, year I'm able to visualize that play hey it's a game-winning play you know let me recognize those feelings and then I take it in order to not have the flight but into take all that energy and put into the fight and I'm ready for those situations now and that's something that I'm really looking forward to have the season.

That's, awesome., That's, that's, that's powerful stuff right there. Like I mean

good, for, you,, dude., Like, that's, that's impressive because that that, showcases

a, powerful, human, being, in, my, opinion. Like, you know, I mean, I'm sure you've seen the the Kirk Cousins thing.

Oh,, yeah., Yeah. That, that's, what, that, reminded, me, right there. I was like, "Yeah." You know, and that's that that's it shows. It shows man. So, good for you. Like, we're rooting for you. I think it's going to be an awesome season and um keep doing what you're doing. We're definitely rooting for you. A lot of people are and we're excited to see you play this tournament.

Questions about this episode

Who speaks in "Heisman Trophy Winner Fernando Mendoza on Visualization and Approach for the National Championship "?

Fernando Mendoza (Guest), Unknown Host (Host).

What is "Heisman Trophy Winner Fernando Mendoza on Visualization and Approach for the National Championship " about?

Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza discusses his journey from Columbus High School to being the starting quarterback at Cal, highlighting the pivotal moments and team spirit that led to their state championship victory. He shares insights on the importance of visualization and preparation as he approaches the National Championship.

What is mentioned in this Stay Tranquilo episode?

20 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Cal, Columbus, NIL, ACC, Oregon State, Florida State University (FSU). Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "Heisman Trophy Winner Fernando Mendoza on Visualization and Approach for the National Championship "?

The episode runs 56 min; the transcript is about 12,303 words in 284 timestamped sections.

More from Stay Tranquilo

About this transcript: the episode's spoken words as captioned on YouTube, split into timestamped sections. Reclip.Me locates every person, work and idea in the text, keeps the time it is first named, and quotes the words around it verbatim. Last updated January 24, 2026.