Mendoza threw for almost 3,000 yards this year with 33 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions.

Fernando Mendoza has led his Hoosier team to a 13-0 record and a number 1 ranking.

“I am a living example that dreams can (and do) come true.”

Those were the words of one Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy Winner, upon accepting the highest individual honor bestowed on an NCAA Division I collegiate football player.

Born in Boston and raised in Miami, Mendoza originally committed to play college football at Yale University before changing his mind and taking his football skills to the University of California (2022-2024, graduating with a degree in business administration from Berkeley’s Haas School of Business in 2025).

Entering the 2024 season, Mendoza won the starting quarterback job, beating out transfer Chandler Rogers. Following a strong showing in an upset victory over Auburn (completing 25 of 36 passes for 233 yards, two touchdowns), as well as impressive outings against Oregon State and Wake Forest, the 6’5” quarterback who announced his decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal on December 11, 2024.

Twelve days later, he announced his decision to transfer to Indiana University.

His name started to climb the Heisman Trophy list following his career-high five passing touchdown game (21 of 23 passing-267 yards) against ninth-ranked Illinois. He would throw for a season high 332 yards (on 24 of 28 passing) while leading his Hoosier to a 38-13 triumph over Michigan State. His two Heisman moments were highlighted by a dramatic comeback win over Penn State and a stunning 13-10 win against top-ranked (and previously unbeaten) Ohio State in this year’s Big 10 Championship Game, the school’s first Big 10 title since 1967. Mendoza outplayed Ohio State freshman quarterback Julian Sayin, his closest Heisman competitor, throwing for 222 yards and a touchdown as the Hoosiers pulled off the upset over the Buckeyes. He was named Most Valuable Player for his performance, propelling him to the top of the Heisman list. Mendoza took a hard hit on his team’s first play from scrimmage in this contest, got up, and completed one of the greatest games in the history of Indiana football. Previously, the Indiana football team had the dubious title as the losingest football program in NCAA Division I history.

As the 13-0 Indiana Hoosiers head into the upcoming College Football Playoff, their star quarterback and team leader can look back at a season for the ages, culminating with the Heisman Trophy and the knowledge that he holds a special place in football history.

Mendoza: “I was not considered a top-tier quarterback prospect, but thanks to my coaches and teammates, I am standing in the elite company of Heisman Trophy winners. I will cherish this moment for the rest of my life.”

His touching acceptance speech, especially his words to his mother and family, was emotionally moving. His acknowledgement of his Hispanic/Cuban heritage, with all four of his grandparents being born and raised in Cuba before moving to Miami in 1959 after the events of the Cuban Revolution, shows that he knows from whence he came. His work on the college football field this season netted him the following awards: Associated Press College Football Player of the Year. The winner of both the Walter Camp Player of the Year and Davey O’Brien Awards. He is outspoken about his Catholic faith, incorporating daily Mass into his game-day routine and coordinating team Bible studies during his time at “I.U.” Fernando and his younger brother Alberto share the quarterbacking duties on this 2025 Indiana Football team.

Fernando: “Alberto and I play football not for ourselves, not for the fulfillment and satisfaction of ourselves. We have a lot of ‘whys’ and reasons we bring such passion to playing this game. One of the major ‘whys’ is our mom and family. We play to bring pride and joy to the people we love most — our family. To some people, that may seem old-fashioned. But in my family, the old-fashioned things like God and family are things to be cherished. Every day I worship my God and do my best for my family. I am grateful for everything that has come my way. Once-in-a-lifetime gifts like the Heisman Trophy are very wonderful, but they can’t compare to the love of my God and family. I consider my teammates (and coaches) as part of my family. They share this Heisman Trophy with me and the members of my immediate family. I am well aware that an honor like this is truly a ‘team-award’ (from coaches to players to fans). I will be forever grateful for all their help in winning this Heisman Trophy award and all the other accolades I have received. This has truly been a dream season.”

And it is not over yet. The run for the NCAA Division I National Football Title is within reach of the Indiana Hoosiers. And what a dream ending that would be.