Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman Moment Caps Perfect Season for Indiana-and Sets the Stage for a Potential National Title Rematch
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Fernando Mendoza’s rise to the Heisman podium didn’t just reflect his individual brilliance-it was a statement about Indiana football’s meteoric climb. The Hoosiers’ quarterback sealed the Heisman Trophy over the weekend, capping off a perfect 13-0 season with a signature win over Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. That victory didn’t just punch Indiana’s ticket to the College Football Playoff-it also gave Mendoza the marquee moment voters couldn’t ignore.
Mendoza edged out a stacked Heisman finalist group that included Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. All had compelling cases. But in the end, it was Mendoza’s leadership, poise, and undefeated record that pushed him over the top.
After receiving college football’s most prestigious individual honor, Mendoza spoke with the media back in Bloomington. One of the more memorable moments? His interaction with a college football legend-Ohio State’s own Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman winner in history.
“They were phenomenal,” Mendoza said of Griffin and his family. “He’s actually one of the Heisman winners I spent the most time with and talked the most with. Seeing his old highlights up on the screen, talking to him about Ohio State, Indiana… He was messing with me a little bit, saying they’re going to get us back in the National Championship.”
That light-hearted exchange might end up being more prophetic than playful. With Indiana and Ohio State entering the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds, respectively, the only way these two Big Ten powerhouses meet again is if both win their quarterfinal and semifinal matchups. If that happens, fans could be treated to a national title showdown on January 19 that doubles as a rematch of the conference championship-and a chance for Griffin’s Buckeyes to try and back up his playful jab.
For now, Mendoza’s moment belongs to history. He’s not just the face of Indiana’s dream season-he’s now etched into college football lore as a Heisman winner. And if his season isn’t done yet, neither is the story.
Buckeyes Extend Offer to Texas Running Back SaRod Baker as 2027 Recruiting Focus Sharpens
While the current Ohio State squad has its eyes on the postseason, the coaching staff is already deep into building the future. This week, the Buckeyes extended an offer to 2027 running back SaRod Baker out of DeSoto High School in Texas.
Baker, a three-star prospect in the early 247Sports composite rankings, comes in as the No. 806 overall player and the No. 68 running back in his class. The offer from Ohio State is his 19th overall, adding another heavyweight to a growing list of interested programs.
With this latest move, the Buckeyes have now offered 22 running backs in the 2027 cycle-a clear signal that they’re casting a wide net early, looking to find the next great talent to carry the rock in Columbus.
It’s still early in the process, but offers like this are how foundations are laid. Baker’s recruitment will be one to keep an eye on as Ohio State continues to shape its future backfield.