Mark Cuban knows a thing or two about making big plays—both on the court and off it. The billionaire entrepreneur and Indiana University graduate recently revealed that he dipped into his own pockets to help the Hoosiers' football program land a game-changing quarterback.

Fresh off a national championship victory, Indiana is celebrating more than just the trophy. Behind the scenes, Cuban played a pivotal role in securing Fernando Mendoza, a standout quarterback who transferred from Cal. According to Cuban, Indiana athletics director Scott Dolson approached him with a straightforward pitch.

"We've got this quarterback that we really, really like," Cuban recalled in an interview with Front Office Sports. "We just need a little bit more." When Cuban asked how much "a little bit" was, Dolson gave him the number. The response? "OK, we're on a roll. I'll put up the money to get this quarterback."

That quarterback turned out to be Mendoza, who went on to win the Heisman Trophy before the 2025 season. Cuban didn't disclose the exact amount he contributed, but he did share a fun connection: he already knew Mendoza's brother, Alberto, who used to sit behind the Miami Heat bench—right near Cuban's own seat.

For Indiana fans, this might be the best investment Cuban has ever made. It's a reminder that in today's college sports landscape, NIL deals can make or break a championship run. And when a deep-pocketed alum steps up, the results can be legendary.