Fernando Mendoza Makes History with Heisman Win, but the Spotlight Shifts to Skip Bayless’s Critique
Saturday night was supposed to be about history - and in many ways, it still was. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza etched his name into college football lore by winning the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player in program history to take home the sport’s most prestigious individual honor. But as the confetti settled and Mendoza delivered his acceptance speech, the narrative quickly took a detour - thanks to a familiar voice chiming in from the sidelines.
Skip Bayless, never one to shy away from a hot take, jumped onto social media during the ceremony with a message that was part congratulations, part controversy. “Congrats to Fernando Mendoza … nice memorized, rehearsed speech ... but Diego Pavia deserved this award for his performance on the field, even if his swagger and edge rubbed some voters and viewers the wrong way,” Bayless posted on X.
The post didn’t just get attention - it exploded. Within hours, it racked up 2.4 million views and over 2,500 likes, sparking a wave of replies that ranged from ridicule to outright dismissal. For many fans and analysts, the comment felt less like a football take and more like a personal soapbox moment.
Let’s be clear: Mendoza’s win wasn’t a fluke. He beat out a loaded field that included Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, and yes, Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia - Bayless’s personal favorite.
But the voters saw something in Mendoza’s body of work that couldn’t be ignored. Whether it was his poise under pressure, his leadership in big moments, or the way he elevated Indiana football to a new level, Mendoza earned that trophy.
As for the speech? Sure, it came off a teleprompter.
So did everyone else’s. That’s standard fare at the Heisman ceremony.
Mendoza’s words were heartfelt and composed, a reflection of a player who’s carried himself with maturity all season long. There was no sign of over-rehearsed theatrics - just a young man soaking in the moment of a lifetime.
Still, Bayless’s comment did what Bayless does best: stir the pot. And in doing so, he inadvertently gave the Hoosiers one more chip for their shoulder. If Indiana needed any extra motivation heading into the postseason, they’ve got it now.
Because this story isn’t over - not by a long shot. With the College Football Playoff looming, Mendoza and the Hoosiers have a real shot to turn this historic moment into something even bigger.
A Heisman is a monumental achievement, but a CFP win? That would be uncharted territory for Indiana football.
And if Mendoza can lead them there, he won’t just silence the critics - he’ll redefine what’s possible for a program that’s long lived in the shadows of the Big Ten elite.
So while Skip Bayless may have tried to redirect the spotlight, make no mistake: this moment belongs to Fernando Mendoza. And the best part? The most important games are still to come.