Fernando Mendoza’s Historic Heisman Run: A Season for the Ages in Bloomington
For the first time in school history, Indiana has a Heisman Trophy winner-and his name is Fernando Mendoza. The redshirt junior quarterback didn’t just win college football’s most prestigious individual honor; he earned it in a way that will be remembered for generations in Bloomington.
Mendoza led the nation with 33 passing touchdowns, guided the Hoosiers to a flawless 13-0 record, and delivered the program’s first Big Ten title. But more than the numbers, it was the how and when that defined his Heisman campaign.
In a season filled with big moments, Mendoza saved his most clutch performance for the biggest stage-against No. 1 Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game.
That night in Indianapolis, offense was hard to come by. Both defenses came to play, and every yard felt earned.
I mean, Mendoza dropped that right over the linebackers head into his receiver. Absolute beauty.pic.twitter.com/bDRKKDHlpg https://t.co/DXZtUWkNv6
— Nick Martin (@themicknartin) September 21, 2025
But when Indiana needed a playmaker, Mendoza delivered-cool under pressure, sharp in execution, and unshakably poised. His performance didn’t just help Indiana topple the top-ranked Buckeyes; it gave Heisman voters one final, undeniable reason to put his name at the top of their ballots.
Still, Mendoza’s Heisman case didn’t come down to just one game. His campaign was built week by week, throw by throw, from the opening kickoff in August to the confetti falling in December. Indiana’s perfect season had its share of tense moments, but Mendoza was the constant-making the kind of plays that separate the good from the great.
Let’s revisit four of the signature moments that shaped Mendoza’s unforgettable season:
1. The Statement Throw vs. Illinois
It may not have been the marquee matchup of the season, but Mendoza’s performance against then-No. 9 Illinois was a tone-setter.
In a game that quickly turned into a rout-Indiana won 63-10-Mendoza uncorked one of his best throws of the year. He dropped a deep ball over multiple defenders, threading the needle with precision to hit his receiver in stride.
It was the kind of throw that makes you sit up and say, *"Yeah, this guy’s different." * At the time, the game was still close, and that play cracked it open.
It was a glimpse of what was to come-and a reminder that Mendoza wasn’t just piling up stats; he was making winning plays.
2. The Momentum-Changer vs. Ohio State
Fast forward to the Big Ten title game. Indiana hadn’t reached the end zone in the first half, and the pressure was mounting.
Early in the third quarter, facing a third-and-2, Mendoza let it rip. He fired a laser to Charlie Becker for 51 yards-a strike that flipped the field and flipped the momentum.
Four plays later, Mendoza found Elijah Sarratt in the end zone for Indiana’s lone touchdown of the game. In a defensive slugfest, that sequence was everything.
Fernando Mendoza with a DART to Becker 🎯@IndianaFootball pic.twitter.com/iruLmNAeCu
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 7, 2025
It was the moment Indiana seized control-and it started with Mendoza’s arm.
3. The Escape Act at Penn State
OMAR COOPER UNREAL CATCH FOR THE TD 😱🤯
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 8, 2025
WHAT A GAME. WHAT A CATCH. @IndianaFootball pic.twitter.com/PhHzKjuVB9
Every perfect season has a close call, and Indiana’s came in a tense road game against a reeling Penn State team desperate for a win. With the Hoosiers trailing late and facing third down, Mendoza was nearly sacked-but just before going down, he launched a pass toward the sideline.
Wide receiver Cooper made a jaw-dropping catch to keep the drive alive and eventually win the game. The throw was gutsy.
WHAT A THROW by Fernando Mendoza 😮
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 7, 2025
(via @CFBONFOX) pic.twitter.com/BMrcLvsXUT
The catch was incredible. The moment?
Pure Heisman magic. That play didn’t just keep Indiana’s season alive-it kept Mendoza’s Heisman hopes intact.
4. The Heisman Moment vs. the Buckeyes
When people talk about Heisman moments, this is what they mean. With under three minutes left and Indiana clinging to a slim lead over No.
1 Ohio State, Mendoza faced a third-and-6. One more first down could all but seal the win.
He delivered-again. A 33-yard strike to Becker down the field, threading the ball between defenders with the confidence of a quarterback who knew the moment belonged to him.
That play didn’t just secure the win. It secured history-for Mendoza, for Indiana, and for a fanbase that had never seen a season like this.
Now, Indiana heads into the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 seed, riding the wave of a dream season and the leadership of a quarterback who’s already etched his name in the record books. Mendoza’s Heisman isn’t just a personal milestone-it’s a symbol of what’s possible when talent, preparation, and belief all come together.
For the Hoosiers, the journey isn’t over. But no matter what happens next, Fernando Mendoza has already delivered a season for the ages.