Donald Trump reveals Fernando Mendoza call and suggests they share political views

Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

The Indiana Hoosiers were honoured at the White House on Monday after completing a historic championship season under Curt Cignetti.

Indiana finished 16-0 and defeated Miami 27-21 in the College Football Playoff national championship game, giving the programme a defining moment.

However, Fernando Mendoza, their star quarterback and the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, had already signalled he was unlikely to attend the meeting with Donald Trump, and his absence from the ceremony was later confirmed.

Donald Trump says Fernando Mendoza called him and was ‘so nice’ about White House absence

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Trump made clear during the ceremony that he held no hard feelings towards Mendoza, despite the quarterback missing Indiana’s visit.

The US president said Mendoza had called him directly and was “so nice” while explaining why he could not be there with his former teammates.

“If he was not here for other reasons like he didn’t like Trump or he didn’t want to come, I wouldn’t have even mentioned him,” Trump said (via Fox News).

He then suggested the call gave him a clear view of Mendoza’s political position, adding that the quarterback was an admirer.

“But he’s a great guy actually and he is actually a big fan of what we’re doing for our country.”

Mendoza’s absence confirms his football-first mindset, as he explained that missing practice as a rookie would not be a good look while trying to prove himself.