Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has made history by winning the Heisman Trophy, marking a significant achievement for the Hoosiers. He led his team to the first No. 1 ranking in program history and the top seed in the College Football Playoff (CFP). Mendoza’s outstanding season included 2,980 passing yards and a national-leading 33 touchdown passes.
Heisman Trophy Win
On Saturday night, Mendoza emerged victorious in the Heisman Trophy voting. He surpassed notable competitors like Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, and Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love.
Impressive Season Highlights
- Mendoza’s 2,980 passing yards
- National-best 33 touchdown passes
- First No. 1 ranking for Indiana
This win makes Mendoza the first player from Indiana to claim the Heisman Trophy. Previously, he played at Cal before joining Indiana, where he has become a standout player.
Comparing the Finalists
Other finalists had remarkable seasons, but they couldn’t match Mendoza’s impact. Pavia set multiple records at Vanderbilt, while Sayin consistently led Ohio State, the defending national champions. Love had an impressive season as a running back for Notre Dame, winning the Doak Walker Award.
A Tradition of Excellence
Mendoza’s achievement continues a trend in recent Heisman history, where quarterbacks have claimed the award four out of the last five years. The only outlier was two-way player Travis Hunter from Colorado, who distinguished himself last season.
Acknowledgments and Awards
Before winning the Heisman, Mendoza received several accolades. Earlier this week, he was named The Associated Press Player of the Year. In addition, he won the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien awards, showcasing his exceptional skills and leadership on the field.
Historic Milestones for Indiana
As a redshirt junior, Mendoza is only the second Indiana player to reach the Heisman finalist stage, following 1989 runner-up Anthony Thompson. Moreover, Mendoza is the seventh Hoosier to achieve a top-10 finish in Heisman voting, and this season marks the first time the program has had back-to-back players in the top 10, with Kurtis Rourke finishing ninth last year.
With Mendoza’s Heisman victory, the Hoosiers now shift their focus to the College Football Playoff, where they receive a first-round bye and aim for further success.
