Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza bloodied after big hit

Indiana Hoosiers star quarterback Fernando Mendoza was the target of a huge hit in the first quarter of the national championship game against the Miami Hurricanes on Monday.

Mendoza handed the ball to his running back and approached Miami defenders, pretending to block. However, Mendoza bit off a little more than he could chew.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club

Hurricanes defensive back Jakobe Thomas ran into Mendoza and knocked down the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback. Mendoza fell and the ESPN broadcast showed him bleeding from his lip.

College football fans were wondering if Thomas avoided a targeting penalty on the play. It appears Thomas hit Mendoza with the crown of his helmet. The team of officials on the field did not catch him and the race continued.

TRUMP ARRIVES AT INDIANA-MIAMI COLLEGE FOOTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza passes against Miami during the first half of the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Mendoza is used to taking big hits. He took a huge hit earlier in the season against Iowa and was tied on the first play of the game against Ohio State. He stayed in the game twice and the Hoosiers won.

Indiana’s scoring started later in the first quarter with a field goal. Then, with about 6:13 left in the second quarter, Mendoza led the Hoosiers down the field and handed the ball to Riley Nowakowski to punch the ball away. The Hoosiers held a 10-0 lead at that point.

Indiana takes the field against Miami before the College Football Playoff national championship game between Miami and Indiana on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP

If the score holds, Indiana will celebrate its first college football national championship.