Indiana's Heisman Winner Trains at Planet Fitness

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza barred from team facilities as Indiana moves on to 2026 season

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Indiana football star quarterback Fernando Mendoza, fresh off winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the Hoosiers to a national championship, has been barred from the team's facilities by head coach Curt Cignetti. Mendoza, who is preparing for the NFL Draft, is now working out at his local Planet Fitness as Indiana shifts its focus entirely to the upcoming 2026 season.

Why it matters

This move by Coach Cignetti highlights the 'what have you done for me lately' culture of modern college football, where past accomplishments matter less than preparing for the future. By removing Mendoza from the team facilities, Cignetti is forcing the entire roster to look ahead rather than dwell on last season's success.

The details

After winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to a national championship in 2025, Mendoza was unceremoniously told by Coach Cignetti that he was no longer allowed to use the team's facilities. Mendoza is now working out at his local Planet Fitness, where he can be found 'getting a pump in before the biggest job interview of his life' as he prepares for the NFL Draft.

  • After the 2025 season ended, Coach Cignetti told Mendoza he was 'had enough of you' and kicked him out of the team facilities.
  • Mendoza recently appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and discussed his current workout situation at Planet Fitness.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The star quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers, who won the Heisman Trophy and led the team to a national championship in 2025. He is now preparing for the NFL Draft.

Curt Cignetti

The head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers, known for his 'no-nonsense' approach and focus on the future rather than past accomplishments.

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What they’re saying

“Well, you know Cignetti, he's a tough cookie. After the season, he said, 'I've had enough of you Mendoza. I kicked you out.' So now I can't go back to the Indiana facility.”

— Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback (The Pat McAfee Show)

“So now I'm working out at Planet Fitness, you know, $15 dollars a month right here. Before radio row, I got a quick workout in.”

— Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback (The Pat McAfee Show)

What’s next

Mendoza is focused on preparing for the upcoming NFL Draft, where he is expected to be a top pick. Meanwhile, Indiana will look to integrate a new crop of transfers and returning players as they aim to defend their national championship in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Coach Cignetti's decision to bar Mendoza from the team facilities highlights the ruthless, forward-looking culture he has instilled at Indiana. By removing the 'ghosts' of the championship past, Cignetti is forcing the entire roster to look ahead and build a new identity for the 2026 season, rather than resting on their laurels.