Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza just won college football’s most prestigious individual award-and instead of posting a flashy video or hopping on a media blitz, he dropped the news on LinkedIn.
Yes, LinkedIn.
The 22-year-old business administration major and newly crowned 2025 Heisman Trophy winner made his announcement in a post that read like a hybrid between a résumé update and a heartfelt thank-you note. “This weekend, I was incredibly honored to be named the 2025 Heisman Trophy recipient,” Mendoza wrote, in the same upbeat, composed tone fans have come to expect from him all season. He thanked the Heisman Trophy Trust, the voters, past winners, and everyone who helped him along the way-including his family, coaches, and teammates.
It wasn’t the typical Heisman moment. Most winners hit the late-night circuit or post emotional videos to Instagram.
Mendoza took a different route-one that felt entirely on brand. This is a guy who’s leaned into the “smart quarterback” label from the jump.
He talks often about life after football, and he’s never shied away from showing his academic side. So, a LinkedIn post?
Honestly, it fits.
Mendoza’s journey is one of resilience and belief. From Miami to Cal to Indiana, it hasn’t been the straightest path to stardom.
But that winding road clearly shaped him. In his post, he said he hopes his story inspires young athletes to believe in themselves and chase their dreams-even when the path isn’t obvious.
And while the Heisman is a massive milestone, Mendoza made sure to remind everyone: the season isn’t over. He closed his post with a nod to what’s next-“On to the Rose Bowl!” Indiana is headed to the College Football Playoff, and Mendoza is locked in.
The internet, of course, had a field day with the LinkedIn move. Fans flooded the post with reactions, ranging from hilarious to genuinely impressed.
One joked, “Mendoza really wants that commercial real estate internship.” Another said, “Unironically, Mendoza would be elite at board meetings.”
The consensus? It was nerdy, it was smart, and it was totally him.
Mendoza’s self-awareness is part of what makes him so compelling. He’s not trying to be someone he’s not.
In a recent 60 Minutes interview, he embraced the “nerd” label. “When I grew up, being a nerd was always a bad thing,” he said.
“However, I think now being a nerd is a little cooler.” He added that his love of learning fuels him both in the classroom and on the field.
And on the field, he’s been nothing short of electric. Mendoza passed for 2,980 yards and 33 touchdowns this season, adding six more scores on the ground. His combination of poise, precision, and leadership has vaulted him into serious NFL Draft conversations-some experts even see him as a potential No. 1 overall pick in 2026.
It’s not just Mendoza who’s having a season to remember. Indiana football is riding high after a historic win over Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game on December 7.
It was the Hoosiers’ first conference title since 1967 and their first victory over the Buckeyes since 1988. Under head coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana is making its second straight College Football Playoff appearance-an incredible turnaround for a program long overshadowed in the Big Ten.
As for the Heisman vote? It wasn’t close.
Mendoza appeared on over 95% of ballots, racked up nearly 85% of the total points, and earned 643 first-place votes. It was a dominant win in a season that’s been defined by his consistency, composure, and leadership.
Even fellow quarterback Diego Pavia took a playful jab at Mendoza after the trophy presentation-proof that Mendoza’s unconventional style is making waves across the sport.
So, while the LinkedIn post might’ve caught people off guard, it also said a lot about who Fernando Mendoza is: a quarterback who can break down a defense on Saturday and break down a balance sheet on Monday. A leader who’s just as comfortable in the film room as he is in a classroom. And now, a Heisman winner who’s not just rewriting Indiana football history-he’s redefining what it looks like to be a modern college football star.