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Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza had God in his heart and faith on his mind as he helped the team win its first college football national championship Monday night.
Mendoza may have needed some divine intervention against the Miami Hurricanes, as he was bruised and battered all night. He helped the Hoosiers extend their lead when he sent the ball into the end zone on 4th down, about midway through the fourth. He jumped from the 2-yard line and did a full-body stretch to get the ball across the goal line.
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Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Through it all, he gave “glory to God” in his postgame interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe.
Additionally, Mendoza had an outstanding performance in front of two Indiana University campus pastors. Father Patrick Hyde and Father Ben Keller of St. Paul Church were among the thousands of Hoosiers fans in attendance.
ESPN caught up with them and Mendoza was celebrating after the Hoosiers got the win.
INDIANA WINS NATIONAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP IN THRILLER OVER MIAMI
Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
“For this team, for this young man and for this experience, I give thanks and glory to God!” Hyde wrote on X Tuesday morning.
Mendoza was also seen hugging his family members on the court as Hoosiers players celebrated the 27-21 victory.
The Heisman Trophy winner has been honest throughout the season.
The Indiana Hoosiers rally during the fourth quarter of a game against the Miami Hurricanes in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
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“The only reason I got to this point is because there are so many different people helping me on my journey, and [the Saint Paul priests] I was one,” he said, via Church leaders. “They did so much to help me, whether it was confession or just being able to speak or just Mass every Sunday. So, I really give a lot of what I accomplished this season to the Lord, and we give thanks to God.”
