Indiana is having quite the year in sports, and the spotlight is only getting brighter as we head into the 2026 ESPY Awards. ESPN has rolled out its list of nominees, and the Hoosiers are right in the thick of it with nominations in four major categories.
Let's start with Fernando Mendoza, the former Indiana University quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, who's making waves with two nominations. Mendoza is up for Best Breakthrough Athlete, contending with some serious talent like Olympic Gold Medal figure skater Alysa Liu, NHL's Macklin Celebrini, and NFL's Drake Maye.
But that's not all-Mendoza is also vying for the Best College Athlete award, alongside NC State Soccer's Donovan Phillip, Penn State Wrestling's Mitchell Messinbrink, and Duke Basketball's Cameron Boozer. It's a testament to Mendoza's stellar season and his ability to leave a lasting impression on the college football landscape.
The Indiana football team isn't sitting this one out either. They’re in the running for Best Team after an unforgettable 16-0 season that culminated in a national championship. But the competition is fierce, with other champions like the Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Seahawks, US Men's and Women's Hockey teams, and the New York Knicks all vying for the same honor.
And let's not forget about OG Anunoby, a former IU basketball standout, who snagged a nomination for Best Play. His clutch NBA Finals go-ahead tip-in for the Knicks in Game 4 is up against some thrilling moments, including Jack Hughes' and Megan Keller's golden goals in Olympic hockey, UConn's Braylon Mullins' buzzer-beater in the Elite Eight, and Caleb Williams' game-tying touchdown for the Chicago Bears in the NFC Playoff Divisional Round.
Indiana fans, this is your chance to support your favorites. Voting is open for the ESPY awards, and you can cast your vote for the Indiana football team, Fernando Mendoza, and OG Anunoby.
Mark your calendars for July 15, when the 2026 ESPY Awards will be broadcast live at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and the ESPN app.
It’s shaping up to be an exciting night, and Indiana’s sports stars are ready to shine.
In Other News...
Indiana Just Lost Another Experienced Arm To The Portal
Indianas pitching depth took another hit this offseason as an experienced arm moved on after one year in Bloomington. The left-handed reliever had already bounced from Delaware to Indiana, and he entered the portal after his latest stop with the Hoosiers, part of the wider roster churn that has become a constant for programs trying to keep veteran bullpen pieces in place.
His departure adds another layer to Indianas search for reliability on the mound, especially with a pitcher who had already logged a few seasons of college baseball and could give a staff some stability. Instead, he is headed to USC for his fifth collegiate season, while the Hoosiers are left to sort through another turnover point as the roster continues to take shape. [Read more 🡒]
Vaughn Karvala Faces One Big Test To Earn Indiana Minutes
Vaughn Karvala arrived at Indiana with the kind of profile that usually gets attention right away: a highly regarded freshman who committed and signed in November and brings the athleticism and scoring pop that made him one of the more intriguing names in the class. For the Hoosiers, though, the excitement around his arrival comes with an immediate reality, since freshmen are walking into a roster built around experienced transfers who have already spent multiple years at the high-major level.
That makes Karvalas path to minutes less about reputation than readiness. His talent gives Indiana another upside piece to develop, but the first challenge is simply finding a way to break into the rotation ahead of older, more seasoned options. The Hoosiers will keep watching how he adjusts, because his role could grow quickly if he shows he can handle the physical side of college basketball and keep his game translating against adults. [Read more 🡒]