During the Ohio State and Indiana’s player press conferences Monday ahead of Saturday’s Big Ten Championship, Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza and Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs discussed the challenge of facing Ohio State’s defense and Indiana’s offense, respectively.
Mendoza had high praise for Ohio State’s defense in 2025, which has allowed the nation’s best mark of 7.8 points per game, highlighting Downs and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia as the defense’s leaders.
“My job is to stick to the process against a fantastically-led defense by Coach Patricia and Caleb Downs,” Mendoza said. “We just need to stick to the process and stick to what’s gotten us to this point.”
In the midst of another dominant season for Downs, Mendoza called the junior “one of the best defense players in the country for a reason,” adding his excitement to play against a sure-fire NFL talent at safety.
In 2025, Downs totaled 52 tackles (34 solo), five tackles for loss, one sack and two interceptions this season and was a named finalist for the Bednarik Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy, Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Thorpe Award.
The Miami, Fla. native Mendoza drew attention to the disguised coverages Patrica often uses to confuse opposing offenses.
“They’re all tied into a string where they’re disguising presnap and changing postsnap,” Mendoza said. “It’s gonna be a tough challenge. A lot of quarterbacks have struggled throughout the season with them, and there’s a reason for that.”
Mendoza then compared his matchup with Downs and the Ohio State defense to former New England quarterback Tom Brady and the Patriots facing off against former Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed.
When he was told about Mendoza’s comments, Downs chuckled, though acknowledged that he’s looking forward to the challenge he and Indiana will bring to Ohio State.
“He can see the field well, which puts them in the right position,” Downs said. “Their running backs are running hard and their receivers are making plays.”
Downs also gave credit to Mendoza’s ability to manipulate defenders with his eyes and the highlight plays he’s made this season.
Mendoza has led an Indiana offense that is second in the FBS averaging 44.3 points per game. The Heisman contending quarterback has passed for 2,758 yards and a 32-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
