Fernando Mendoza surprised with $20,000 iced-out watch from Elijah Sarratt as Indiana prepares for College Football Playoff final

Fernando Mendoza, the Indiana Hoosiers star quarterback, received a special surprise just days before the biggest game of his college career. Ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Monday night, Mendoza was gifted a luxury $20,000 watch by his teammate Elijah Sarratt. The moment was shared online and quickly caught attention across college football.

The surprise happened on the eve of Indiana’s title clash with the Miami Hurricanes. A video showed Fernando Mendoza smiling wide as Elijah Sarratt placed the iced-out watch on his wrist while teammates stood nearby watching and cheering. It was a calm but emotional moment before a huge night.

Fernando Mendoza receives luxury watch from Elijah Sarratt ahead of Miami title clash

According to IMZ Sports, Elijah Sarratt reached out to jewelry brand ShopGLD to find something special for Fernando Mendoza.

The company later shared the video of the moment Mendoza opened the box and saw the watch. The timepiece was covered in shine and is said to include around 2,500 hand-set stones.

Fernando Mendoza, who is 22 years old, looked shocked and happy at the same time.

He laughed, hugged Elijah Sarratt, and let him fasten the watch. Other Indiana players clapped and smiled as they watched the moment unfold.

The gift comes after an incredible season for both players. Fernando Mendoza and Elijah Sarratt have built strong chemistry on the field.

This year, they have combined for 15 touchdowns and 802 yards, helping Indiana finish a perfect 15-0 season and reach the national championship game.



It was also reported that Elijah Sarratt, who transferred to Indiana in 2024, treated himself too. He is believed to have bought a $35,000 pendant and chain from the same jeweler.

Fernando Mendoza has already collected several major honors this season, including winning the Heisman Trophy. With the NFL Draft approaching, many analysts expect him to be the No. 1 overall pick.

If Fernando Mendoza is selected first, he is widely projected to land with the Las Vegas Raiders, who are searching for a new quarterback after a difficult season.

The Raiders went 3–14, finished last in the AFC West, and later moved on from head coach Pete Carroll. The franchise is part-owned by Tom Brady.

On the field, all eyes are now on Monday night’s title game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Indiana enters the matchup after beating the Oregon Ducks in the Peach Bowl.

After that win, Fernando Mendoza spoke with ESPN and kept his message simple and heartfelt. “First of all, I want to give all glory to God,” Mendoza said.

“The man above did so much for us today and helped our whole team play at a high level.” Looking ahead to the championship, Mendoza added, “It’s a homecoming for me going back to Miami.

The Hurricanes are a great team. They’re strong on defense. It’s going to be a great matchup.”

Now, with a new watch on his wrist and a title shot in front of him, Fernando Mendoza is standing at the biggest moment of his young career.





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