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Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza became the first Hoosier to win the coveted Heisman Trophy, college football’s most prestigious award.
Mendoza earned 2,362 votes for first place, beating out Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (1,435 votes), Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (719 votes) and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (432 votes).
Mendoza guided the Hoosiers to their first No. 1 ranking and first place in the 12-team college football field, throwing for 2,980 yards and a nationally best 33 touchdown passes while also scoring six scores. Indiana, the last undefeated team in major college football, will play a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game at the Rose Bowl on January 1.
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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza leaves the field after an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Bloomington, Indiana. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Mendoza, the Hoosiers’ first-year starter after transferring from California, is the spark behind an offense that has surpassed program records for touchdowns and points set during last season’s surprise run to the CFP.
A redshirt junior, the once lightly recruited Miami native is the second Heisman finalist in school history, joining 1989 finalist Anthony Thompson. The trophy was established in 1935.
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Mendoza is the seventh Indiana player to finish in the top 10 in Heisman voting, and it marks another first in program history – having back-to-back players in the top 10. Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke finished ninth last year.
Quarterbacks have won the Heisman four in the last five years, with Colorado’s Travis Hunter, who played wide receiver and cornerback, winning last season.
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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza throws before an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Bloomington, Indiana. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Heisman Trophy presentation came after a number of honors had already been handed out. Mendoza was named Associated Press player of the year earlier this week and won the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien awards Friday night while Love won the Doak Walker award.
