Fernando Mendoza wins the Heisman Award, becomes the first Hoosier to ever win it. 

A Night to Remember

Indiana's Fernando Mendoza cemented his place into college football history and capped off a historic season by winning the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, officially placing himself among college football’s elite. He also made Indiana Hoosier history by becoming the first in his school's history to recieve the Heisman award. Mendoza earned 643 first-place votes, Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia earned 189 first-place votes, Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love earned 46 first-place votes, and Ohio State QB Julian Sayin earned 8 first-place votes. 

Overlooked No More

In his emotional Heisman speech, Mendoza emphasized believing in yourself, crediting his mom for teaching him strength, and inspiring overlooked kids by saying, "I want every kid out there who feels overlooked, underestimated to know I was you. I was that kid too. I was in your shoes". "You don't need the most stars, hype or rankings. You just need discipline, heart, and people who believe in you" and telling his mom, "Together, you and I are rewriting what people think is possible". 

Family at the Center

One of the most emotional parts of the night came when Mendoza mentioned his parents. He dedicated the trophy to his mother, calling her his "light," "why," and biggest fan, emphasizing her strength and sacrifices taught him "toughness doesn't need to be loud," while also thanking his father for discipline and brother for joy, and sharing a message for overlooked kids that "discipline, heart, and people who believe in you" matter most.  

A True Heisman Season

Mendoza's leadership and performance throughout the year earned him this prestigious award. His Heisman season was defined by incredible efficiency and leadership, guiding an undefeated Indiana team with a nation-leading 33 passing touchdowns and only six interceptions, and running for 6 more TDs. His clutch performances, like a key Big Ten Championship drive, ultimately became his highlight Heisman moment, and cemented himself as a top NFL prospect come April. The Hoosiers aren't done, as they have the #1 seed and the first round bye in the College Football Playoff. They will take on the winner of #9 Alabama at #8 Oklahoma.