Fernando Mendoza Runs Away With 2025 Heisman Trophy, Cementing Historic Season for Indiana
There was no drama this time. No photo finish, no nail-biting tally. Just a clear, emphatic statement from voters across the country: Fernando Mendoza is the best player in college football.
The Indiana quarterback captured the 2025 Heisman Trophy in dominant fashion Saturday night, blowing past the competition with 643 first-place votes and a total of 2,362 points. It wasn’t just a win - it was a landslide. Mendoza led all five voting regions, a rare feat that underscores just how commanding his season was from start to finish.
One year after Colorado’s Travis Hunter edged out Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty in one of the closest races in recent memory, this year’s Heisman was decided well before the final envelope was opened. Mendoza didn’t just win - he separated himself from the field in a way that few Heisman winners have.
The Final Tally
Trailing Mendoza was Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, who had an outstanding season in his own right but finished a distant second with 1,435 points. Pavia pulled in 189 first-place votes - a strong number in most years, but a far cry from Mendoza’s overwhelming support.
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love came in third with 719 points, followed by Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (432 points) and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (295 points). Rodriguez was the only defensive player in the top five and the only other finalist to crack the 100-point mark.
Here’s how the top 10 shook out in total voting points:
| Player | School | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Total Points |
|---|
| Fernando Mendoza | Indiana | 643 | 191 | 51 | 2,362 | | Diego Pavia | Vanderbilt | 189 | 352 | 164 | 1,435 |
| Jeremiyah Love | Notre Dame | 46 | 157 | 267 | 719 | | Julian Sayin | Ohio State | 8 | 118 | 172 | 432 |
| Jacob Rodriguez | Texas Tech | 17 | 56 | 132 | 295 | | Jeremiah Smith | Ohio State | 4 | 18 | 36 | 84 |
| Gunner Stockton | Georgia | 3 | 6 | 22 | 43 | | Trinidad Chambliss | Ole Miss | 2 | 5 | 7 | 23 |
| Caleb Downs | Ohio State | 2 | 3 | 10 | 22 | | Haynes King | Georgia Tech | 2 | 1 | 10 | 18 |
A Season to Remember
Mendoza’s win is more than just a personal milestone - it’s a defining moment for Indiana football. The program has never been a traditional Heisman hub, but Mendoza’s performance this season changed that narrative. He didn’t just put up numbers - he led, he delivered in big moments, and he elevated an entire program.
What stands out most about Mendoza’s Heisman run is the consistency. From the early weeks of the season through conference play and into the final stretch, he was the engine that powered Indiana’s offense. His poise, accuracy, and command of the game made him a nightmare for opposing defenses and a dream for voters looking for the most impactful player in the country.
The Rest of the Field
Diego Pavia had a phenomenal campaign at Vanderbilt, guiding the Commodores to one of their best seasons in recent memory. His dual-threat ability and leadership kept him in the conversation throughout the season, and his second-place finish reflects the respect he earned nationally.
Jeremiyah Love was the top non-quarterback in the voting, and rightfully so. The Notre Dame running back was a workhorse all season long, piling up yards and touchdowns while being the focal point of the Irish offense. His third-place finish is a nod to the value he brought every time he touched the ball.
Julian Sayin and Jacob Rodriguez rounded out the top five. Sayin, the Ohio State quarterback, showed flashes of brilliance and kept the Buckeyes in the national spotlight. Rodriguez, meanwhile, made a rare defensive run into the top tier of Heisman voting - a testament to just how disruptive and dominant he was for Texas Tech.
What This Means Moving Forward
Mendoza’s runaway win sends a clear message: the Heisman still rewards excellence, leadership, and the ability to elevate a team. It also shows that the award isn’t reserved for the bluebloods. Indiana may not have the Heisman pedigree of an Alabama or USC, but this season proved that elite talent can shine anywhere.
And for Mendoza, this is just the beginning. He now joins college football’s most exclusive club - a Heisman winner whose name will be forever etched in the sport’s history. The spotlight only gets brighter from here, but if this season was any indication, he’s more than ready for it.