BLOOMINGTON – Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been named one of four finalists for the 2025 Heisman Memorial Trophy, college football’s most prestigious individual award.
The announcement solidifies Mendoza’s remarkable year, which saw him lead the Hoosiers to an undefeated season and the program’s first Big Ten Championship in nearly six decades.
Mendoza, a redshirt junior, joins a prestigious class of candidates heading to New York City for the award ceremony this Saturday.
Mendoza’s inclusion as a Heisman finalist caps off an unbelievable turnaround for the Indiana football program. Under head coach Curt Cignetti, Mendoza led the Hoosiers to a perfect 13-0 record, secured the Big Ten Championship with a dramatic 13-10 victory over Ohio State, and ultimately locked up the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
His performance in the Big Ten Championship was widely hailed as his “Heisman moment.” After suffering a brutal hit early in the game, Mendoza returned to throw the go-ahead 17-yard touchdown pass and later sealed the victory with a crucial 33-yard completion on third down, earning him the Big Ten Championship Game MVP award.
Dominant Statistics
Mendoza’s production throughout the season placed him among the nation’s elite passers:
- Passing Yards: 2,980
- Touchdowns: 33 (Leads all FBS quarterbacks)
- Interceptions: 6
- Completion Percentage: 71.5% (Ranks 6th nationally)
- Rushing Touchdowns: 6
- Total Touchdowns Accounted For: 39 (Ranks 2nd nationally)
He was also named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and Big Ten Quarterback of the Year. His 33 touchdown passes set a new Indiana single-season record.
Historic Context for Indiana
Mendoza is only the second player in Indiana University history to be named a Heisman Trophy finalist. The only other was legendary running back Anthony Thompson, who finished as the runner-up for the award in 1989. The Hoosiers have never had a Heisman winner.
The other three finalists joining Mendoza in New York are:
- Diego Pavia: Quarterback, Vanderbilt
- Jeremiyah Love: Running Back, Notre Dame
- Julian Sayin: Quarterback, Ohio State
The winner of the 2025 Heisman Trophy will be announced live in New York City on Saturday night. Mendoza is widely considered the overwhelming favorite to take home the award, adding another layer to Indiana’s historic season.
