Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza Secures 2025 Heisman Trophy
Fernando Mendoza, the Indiana quarterback, has made history by securing the Heisman Trophy on December 13, 2025. This prestigious recognition came after an impressive season, where Mendoza led the Hoosiers to an undefeated record of 13-0 and the program’s first No. 1 ranking in college football.
Historic Achievement
Mendoza’s performance during the season was remarkable. He completed 2,980 passing yards and threw for 33 touchdowns, leading the nation in this statistic. Additionally, he rushed for six touchdowns while maintaining a low interception rate of just six.
Key Statistics
- Undefeated Record: 13-0
- Passing Yards: 2,980
- Touchdowns: 33
- Interceptions: 6
During the Heisman voting, Mendoza received 643 first-place votes, outpacing Diego Pavia from Vanderbilt, who finished in second place. This moment marks Mendoza as the first Heisman winner in Indiana’s history.
Remarkable Journey
Mendoza’s path to the Heisman was not traditional. As a Miami native and grandson of Cuban immigrants, he excelled in high school football before initially committing to Yale. However, after a year in the Ivy League, he transferred to California, where he established himself as a top quarterback.
After redshirting his freshman year, he gained prominence midway through his second season and continued to demonstrate exceptional skills. Mendoza transferred to Indiana, partly due to the presence of his younger brother, Alberto Mendoza, on the team.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Mendoza is focused on leading Indiana in the College Football Playoff while also attracting the attention of NFL teams. He has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play and aims to be a team player.
Next Steps
The New York Jets, currently with a 3-10 record, hold the seventh pick in the upcoming NFL draft. With Mendoza’s remarkable talent and stature, he is projected to be among the top prospects in the draft.
The Jets now face a significant decision in the coming months: will they draft Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, or seek a different direction? His historic season and experience make him a captivating choice for any team seeking a new quarterback.
