NEW YORK, N.Y. — A new chapter in college football history was written on Saturday night as Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza was announced as the winner of the 2025 Heisman Memorial Trophy. The redshirt junior became the first player from the Indiana Hoosiers program to ever capture college football’s most prestigious individual award, capping off a truly unprecedented season in Bloomington.
Mendoza’s victory was decisive, earning him a significant lead over the other finalists. He received 2,362 points, including 643 first-place votes, easily surpassing Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (1,435 points), Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (719 points), and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (432 points).4 His commanding win included finishing first in all six Heisman regions, a feat not accomplished since Caleb Williams in 2022.
“I’m at a loss for words. I want to thank God for the opportunity to chase a dream. Standing here tonight doesn’t feel real. This trophy might have my name on it, but it belongs to all of you in Bloomington6.” — Fernando Mendoza during his acceptance speech.
A Season for the Ages
Mendoza’s Heisman campaign was built on the backbone of Indiana’s historic 13-0 record, their first-ever Big Ten Championship (a 13-10 victory over Ohio State), and the program’s inaugural No. 1 ranking.7
| Statistic | Fernando Mendoza (2025 Season) | National Rank | IU Program Record |
| Passing Yards | 2,980 | – | – |
| Completion % | 71.5% (226-of-316) | 6th | – |
| Passing Touchdowns | 33 | Nation-leading | School Season Record |
| Rushing Yards | 240 | – | – |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 6 | – | – |
| Total Touchdowns | 39 | 2nd | School Season Record |
| Passer Rating | 181.39 | 2nd | – |
The Miami, Florida native, a transfer from California, led an offense that shattered program records for touchdowns and points.8 His dominance was highlighted by a five-touchdown passing day in a 63-10 rout of then-No.9 9 Illinois and making key throws in the Big Ten title victory.
The End of a Drought
Mendoza’s win ends a long wait for the Hoosier faithful. The only other Indiana player to reach the Heisman ceremony podium was running back Anthony Thompson, who finished as the runner-up in 1989.
Mendoza, who is also the winner of the Maxwell, Walter Camp, and Davey O’Brien Awards, is the latest proof of the dramatic turnaround under head coach Curt Cignetti, who guided the program to an incredible 24-2 record and two CFP appearances in two years.
Mendoza is the 39th quarterback to win the award and is among the recent trend of transfer quarterbacks to claim the trophy, being the seventh in the last nine years.
With the Heisman secured, Mendoza and the No. 1 Hoosiers now turn their focus to their College Football Playoff journey. Indiana will begin their quest for a national title in a quarterfinal game on January 1st in the Rose Bowl.
