Fernando Mendoza, the dynamic quarterback for top-ranked Indiana, clinched the prestigious Heisman Trophy on Saturday evening, making history as the first Hoosier to secure this honor since its establishment in 1935.
Mendoza garnered 2,362 points, including 643 first-place votes, surpassing competitors such as Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin.
His victory in the Heisman race was resounding, as he dominated all six Heisman regions, a feat not achieved since Caleb Williams in 2022. Mendoza appeared on 95.16% of all ballots, matching Marcus Mariota’s 2014 record for the second-highest percentage in the award’s history. Additionally, he accumulated 84.6% of the total possible points, marking the seventh-highest in Heisman history.
Expressing his gratitude, Mendoza humbly stated, “I haven’t seen the numbers yet, but it’s such an honor to be mentioned with these guys [Pavia, Love, and Sayin]. It’s really a credit to our team. It’s a team award.”
Under Mendoza’s guidance, the Hoosiers achieved their first-ever No. 1 ranking and secured the top seed in the 12-team College Football bracket. He achieved remarkable statistics, throwing for 2,980 yards and a national-best 33 touchdown passes, in addition to scoring six touchdowns through rushing. Indiana, the sole unbeaten major college football team, is set to compete in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal match in the Rose Bowl on January 1.
As a redshirt junior and a first-year starter for the Hoosiers after transferring from California, Mendoza played a pivotal role in breaking offensive records set during the previous season’s unexpected ascent to the CFP. Notably, he became the second Heisman finalist in school history, following in the footsteps of 1989 runner-up Anthony Thompson. Mendoza’s accomplishment also marked a significant milestone for the program, with back-to-back top-10 finishes in Heisman voting after Kurtis Rourke’s ninth place finish the previous year.
Amidst chants of “HeismanDoza” from his teammates during the media address, Mendoza reflected on the turning point in the season when the Hoosiers triumphed over then No. 19 Illinois 63-10 on September 20, sparking hope of a Heisman win.
Mendoza’s win as the 43rd quarterback to claim the Heisman title and being only the second Latin American descendant to do so, following Jim Plunkett in 1970, highlights his unique heritage. His Cuban roots hold special significance, as he acknowledged, “Although I grew up in America, my four grandparents are all from Cuba. I had the opportunity to go there, and that was important to me. I credit the love to my grandparents and the Hispanic community.”
Before the Heisman Trophy presentation, Mendoza had already received numerous accolades, including being named The Associated Press player of the year. He also secured the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien awards, while Love was honored with the Doak Walker Award.
Mendoza and Pavia’s success underscore the evolving landscape of college football, with both players utilizing the transfer portal to enhance their careers. Notably, Mendoza marked the seventh transfer to win the Heisman in the past nine years, while Pavia transitioned through three schools before making his mark at Vanderbilt.
In a remarkable performance, Pavia clinched second place with 189 first-place votes, setting a school record with 3,192 passing yards and 27 touchdowns for Vanderbilt. His leadership propelled the Commodores to their first 10-win season, including victories against Southeastern Conference opponents and a notable ascent to No. 9 in the AP Top 25 rankings.
On the other hand, Love’s exceptional season for Notre Dame positioned him as a strong contender, finishing with 46 first-place votes. The junior running back from St. Louis showcased his skills by ranking among the top rushers in the Bowl Subdivision, tallying impressive rushing yards and touchdowns for the Fighting Irish.
Meanwhile, Sayin’s leadership for Ohio State propelled the Buckeyes to a No. 1 ranking for a substantial part of the season, highlighted by his impressive passing yards and touchdown count. Sayin’s journey from California to Ohio State via the transfer portal culminated in a successful season with notable wins and a strong presence atop the AP Top 25 rankings.
The Heisman Trophy win caps off an exceptional season for Mendoza and his fellow finalists, underscoring their talent and dedication to the sport.
