For the first time in history, there’s a Hoosier Heisman.
Fernando Mendoza, who quarterbacked Indiana to a 12-0 record in the regular season and a 13-10 win over Ohio State in the Big Ten Football Championship game, was named the winner of the 2025 Heisman Trophy during a televised ceremony on Saturday night in New York City.
With his win, Mendoza becomes Indiana’s first player in program history to win the award after being the second finalist. He’s the program’s second finalist, following running
back Anthony Thompson’s bid in 1989 that saw him come just shy of hoisting the trophy.
Mendoza has completed 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards with 33 touchdowns through the air and just six interceptions, adding in 240 yards and six scores on the ground. He’s led game winning scoring drives against Iowa, Oregon and Penn State, all on the road, with a key pass on third down in the closing minutes of the Big Ten title game to help drain the clock.
The Hoosiers will return to action in the new year in the Rose Bowl Game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
