India, Dec. 13 -- Fernando Mendoza's season has followed a clean, winning script on paper. Indiana opened 13-0, secured its first Big Ten title since 1967, and placed its quarterback in the Heisman conversation. The results are clear. What sits behind them is quieter.

Much of Mendoza's move to Bloomington, and his comfort there, traces back to family. In particular, to his younger brother.

Alberto Mendoza is no stranger to the game. Like Fernando, he played high school football at Columbus in Miami, Florida, before making the jump to college football. He entered as a three-star recruit in the Class of 2024 and now sits behind his older brother on Indiana's depth chart.

Alberto's role has been limited but steady. As a backup, he has com...