The college football world witnessed a historic moment on Saturday as Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza claimed the 2025 Heisman Trophy. His triumph marks an unprecedented achievement, making him the first player from Indiana University to ever win college football’s most coveted individual award. Mendoza’s incredible journey culminated in a perfect 13-0 season, leading the Hoosiers to a Big Ten championship and the coveted No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. This victory solidifies his legacy not just as an elite athlete, but as a symbol of perseverance and dedication, truly making history for Bloomington football.
An Emotional Night in New York: Mendoza’s Heisman Moment
The atmosphere at New York City’s Lincoln Center on Saturday, December 13, 2025, was charged with anticipation. The 91st Heisman Trophy ceremony, broadcast live on ABC, was set to crown the next legend. As his name was called, an emotional Fernando Mendoza, alongside his family and Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti, stepped forward to accept the prestigious award. Overwhelmed, Mendoza struggled to find words, articulating profound gratitude. “I’m at a loss of words. Thank you to everybody,” he began. “First, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to chase a dream that once felt a world away. Standing here tonight and holding this bad boy, representing Indiana University, still doesn’t feel real.”
Mendoza’s speech was a heartfelt tribute to his unwavering support system. He passionately thanked his parents, Fernando Sr. and Elsa Mendoza, and his youngest brother Max, for their unconditional love. He poignantly referred to his mother, Elsa, who bravely battles Multiple Sclerosis, as “my light, my why, my biggest supporter.” Her sacrifices and courage, he shared, had been his “first playbook,” teaching him that “toughness doesn’t need to be loud.” His father, he added, grounded him and instilled crucial discipline. As the first Cuban-American Heisman winner, and only the third of Hispanic or Latino descent, Mendoza also extended a special shout-out in Spanish to his Cuban immigrant grandparents, Alberto and Alicia Espinoza, who were proudly in attendance.
From Two-Star Recruit to Undefeated Star
Mendoza’s path to Heisman glory was anything but conventional. A former two-star prospect, he once only received a single scholarship offer. There were moments, especially after his high school season was cut short by COVID, when he even considered quitting football. It was his mother, Elsa, whose steadfast encouragement spurred him on, helping him view these early struggles as “blessings” that fueled his relentless dedication. He recalled wanting to quit his park football team in fourth grade when he was fourth on the depth chart, but his parents insisted he finish what he started, leading him to fall in love with the game. This resilience ultimately defined his remarkable junior season.
In late December 2024, Mendoza made a pivotal decision, trading his Northern California base at the University of California, Berkeley for the Midwest sprawl of Indiana. Entering the transfer portal, he committed to play for Coach Cignetti and the Hoosiers. What followed was a season that transformed a historically basketball-centric town into one gripped by “HeisMendoza” fever. His story is a testament to the power of belief and the transformative potential of the transfer portal era in college football.
The Perfect Season: Indiana’s Road to Glory
Fernando Mendoza’s on-field performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He meticulously guided the Indiana Hoosiers to a pristine 13-0 record, culminating in the university’s first Big Ten football title since 1967. This dominant run also secured the program’s first-ever No. 1 seed in the upcoming College Football Playoff. Mendoza shattered Indiana’s single-season passing records, completing an impressive 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards. He threw a nation-leading 33 touchdown passes against only six interceptions. Demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities, he added 240 rushing yards and six more touchdowns on the ground, accounting for 39 total touchdowns—ranking him second nationally.
His season was punctuated by several “Heisman-worthy moments,” including crucial game-winning drives against formidable opponents like Oregon and Penn State. The defining moment, perhaps, came in the Big Ten Championship Game against No. 2 Ohio State. Despite a tough hit on the first play, Mendoza displayed incredible poise, delivering critical throws in the clutch to secure a 13-10 victory and Indiana’s historic league title. This blend of individual brilliance and unprecedented team success solidified his Heisman case.
Sweeping the Awards: A Legacy Cemented
Mendoza’s Heisman win completed a clean sweep of major national awards, underscoring his dominance throughout the 2025 season. In the days leading up to the Heisman ceremony, he also proudly accepted the Walter Camp Award, the Maxwell Award, and the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s top quarterback. His exceptional performance also earned him the prestigious titles of Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and Big Ten Quarterback of the Year.
Historically, Mendoza is only the second Indiana player to ever be a Heisman finalist, following Anthony Thompson, who finished as a runner-up in 1989. While Thompson also claimed the Walter Camp and Maxwell awards, Mendoza is the first Hoosier to win the Davey O’Brien Award, further distinguishing his remarkable season in the annals of Indiana football. His teammates, including Pat Coogan, Carter Smith, and Riley Nowakowski, personally funded their trips to New York to support him, a testament to his leadership and character. Coach Cignetti even paid Mendoza a high compliment, comparing him to basketball legend Jerry West.
The Modern Athlete: Fernando Mendoza’s Impact Off the Field
Beyond his on-field heroics, Fernando Mendoza has also made significant waves in the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. His exceptional season and growing national profile have dramatically increased his personal brand value. Mendoza’s NIL portfolio is estimated at a staggering $2.6 million, positioning him among the top five highest-valued college football players. On3, a leading NIL valuation platform, ranks him fifth in college football and seventh overall in its NIL 100, a significant jump from an estimated $1.6 million earlier in the year.
Mendoza has strategically partnered with major brands, including a high-profile endorsement deal with Adidas, which he inked prior to the Big Ten Championship. He expressed enthusiasm for joining the “Three Stripes” brand, aligning with his passion for sport and leadership. Furthermore, he launched the “Mendoza Mania” merchandise collection in collaboration with his brother Alberto, Indiana’s backup quarterback, available on the Indiana NIL Store. A compassionate and impactful aspect of this venture is its charitable component: a portion of all proceeds is dedicated to the National MS Society, honoring his mother’s courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. This initiative showcases Mendoza’s commitment to using his platform for social good, raising crucial funds and awareness for the disease.
The Field of Elite Talent: Other Heisman Finalists
While Fernando Mendoza ultimately claimed the trophy, he was in esteemed company with three other exceptional finalists, each with compelling cases for the Heisman. The voting results reflected a commanding win for Mendoza:
1. Fernando Mendoza (Indiana): 643 first-place votes, 2,362 total points.
2. Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt): 189 first-place votes, 1,435 total points.
3. Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame): 46 first-place votes, 719 total points.
4. Julian Sayin (Ohio State): 8 first-place votes, 432 total points.
Diego Pavia, quarterback for the Vanderbilt Commodores, earned significant recognition for orchestrating a historic 10-win season, dramatically elevating a traditionally underdog program. The 23-year-old senior transferred from New Mexico State, leading No. 14 Vandy to its first 10-win season, throwing for 3,192 yards, 27 touchdowns, and adding 826 rushing yards with nine scores.
Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame’s dynamic running back, was the sole non-quarterback finalist. The 20-year-old junior proved himself as the premier halfback in college football, finishing fourth in the FBS with 1,372 rushing yards and third with 18 rushing touchdowns. His explosive capabilities served as the engine of the Fighting Irish offense.
Julian Sayin, the sophomore quarterback for Ohio State, stepped into big shoes after the Buckeyes won the 2024-2025 national championship. The 20-year-old ably led No. 2 Ohio State to a 12-1 record, accumulating 3,232 passing yards and 31 touchdowns. His clean statistical season was highly efficient, though their Big Ten Championship loss to Indiana arguably impacted his Heisman momentum.
The Road Ahead: College Football Playoff Dreams
With the Heisman Trophy secured, Fernando Mendoza quickly shifted his focus to the ultimate team prize: a national championship. The No. 1 ranked Indiana Hoosiers earned a crucial bye in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Their journey will continue on New Year’s Day at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, where they await the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between No. 8 Oklahoma and No. 9 Alabama. Mendoza has expressed his excitement about playing in the Rose Bowl, calling it a long-held dream from his earlier years at Cal. The entire city of Bloomington, and indeed the college football world, eagerly anticipates whether Mendoza can lead Indiana to cap off their historic season with a national title. His anticipated future as a first-round NFL Draft pick only adds to the intrigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman win historic for Indiana University?
Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman Trophy win is historic for Indiana University because he is the first player in the program’s history to ever receive the prestigious award. His victory comes after leading the Indiana Hoosiers to an unprecedented perfect 13-0 regular season, their first Big Ten Championship since 1967, and securing the program’s first-ever No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. Mendoza also swept major national awards, further cementing his unique place in Indiana football lore.
How has Fernando Mendoza leveraged his success with NIL deals?
Fernando Mendoza has capitalized on his success by securing significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, with his portfolio estimated at $2.6 million, placing him among college football’s top earners. He has a high-profile endorsement with Adidas and launched his own “Mendoza Mania” merchandise collection through the Indiana NIL Store. Crucially, a portion of the proceeds from “Mendoza Mania” is dedicated to the National MS Society, honoring his mother’s battle with Multiple Sclerosis and leveraging his platform for charitable impact.
What is next for Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana Hoosiers after winning the Heisman?
Following his Heisman Trophy win, Fernando Mendoza and the No. 1 ranked Indiana Hoosiers are set to compete in the College Football Playoff. They have earned a first-round bye and will play their quarterfinal game in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day. They will face the winner of the matchup between No. 8 Oklahoma and No. 9 Alabama. Mendoza’s immediate focus is on leading the Hoosiers to a national championship, which would cap off their historic season, and he is widely projected to be a first-round pick in future NFL Drafts.