Fernando Mendoza Makes History as First Indiana Hoosier to Win Heisman Trophy
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Fernando Mendoza, the dynamic quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers, etched his name into college football lore on December 14, 2025, by becoming the first player from Indiana University to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy. Mendoza’s remarkable season helped propel the Hoosiers to an undefeated record and earned them the No. 1 seed in the 12-team College Football Playoff bracket.
Mendoza, a redshirt junior and Miami native who transferred from the University of California, secured 2,392 first-place votes, outpacing Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin. His stellar performance included throwing for 2,980 yards and a nation-best 33 touchdown passes, while also rushing for six touchdowns.
The Hoosiers, who clinched the Big Ten championship with a thrilling victory over Ohio State, will now prepare for their quarterfinal matchup in the Rose Bowl on January 1. This marks Indiana’s first-ever No. 1 ranking and a historic milestone for the program, which had never before produced a Heisman winner since the trophy’s inception in 1935.
Mendoza’s rise has been meteoric. Once lightly recruited, he has become the centerpiece of an explosive offense that shattered program records for touchdowns and points, building on last season’s surprising College Football Playoff appearance. His achievements have earned him additional accolades, including the Associated Press Player of the Year, the Maxwell Award, and the Davey O’Brien Award.
Indiana’s football program has seen only six players finish in the Heisman top 10 prior to Mendoza, making this victory a landmark accomplishment. Notably, the Hoosiers have now had back-to-back top-10 Heisman finalists, with quarterback Kurtis Rourke finishing ninth last year. Quarterbacks have dominated the Heisman in recent years, winning four of the last five awards, underscoring Mendoza’s place among elite company.
This season, Mendoza’s leadership and skill have been instrumental in Indiana’s undefeated run, a feat that has captured national attention. The College Football Playoff committee rewarded the Hoosiers with the top seed, setting the stage for a high-stakes postseason.
For those interested in following the College Football Playoff and related awards, official information can be found on the College Football Playoff website. The Heisman Trophy, administered by the Heisman Trust, maintains a detailed history and current updates at heisman.com. Additionally, the NCAA provides comprehensive coverage of college football statistics and awards.
Indiana’s breakthrough this season represents a significant shift in the college football landscape, showcasing the rise of programs outside the traditional powerhouses. Mendoza’s story—from a lightly recruited transfer to the nation’s most celebrated player—embodies the spirit of perseverance and excellence that defines college athletics.
As the Hoosiers prepare for their playoff run, all eyes will be on Mendoza to see if he can lead Indiana to its first national championship. His historic Heisman win not only elevates his personal legacy but also shines a spotlight on Indiana University’s football program as a rising force in the sport.
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