Indiana Hoosiers starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza is all up in his feels right now after an emotional moment he shared with his whole family after his team’s most recent win. On Monday, Mendoza and the rest of coach Curt Cignetti’s 2025-26 Hoosiers squad faced off against coach Mario Cristobal’s Miami Hurricanes in the latter’s home pitch for this year’s college football playoff championship.
It was an emotional ride for Mendoza and Co. as they were able to clinch the Hoosiers’ first ever national title after they beat the Hurricanes 27-21 in front of a hostile Hard Rock Stadium crowd in Miami Gardens, Florida. As post-game celebrations went into full swing, a video posted by @cbbonfox on Instagram shows Mendoza immediately embracing his aunt and his parents as they were all emotional over the triumph.
“A wholesome moment as Fernando Mendoza celebrates winning the National Championship with his mom ☺️ (Via X/ByPatForde),” @cfbonfox on Instagram captioned with a smiling emoji.
– @cfbonfox on Instagram, January 19, 2026
At the end of the 2025-26 collegiate football campaign, it is Mendoza who reigns supreme as he caps off his junior stint with both the national championship and being named as this year’s Heisman Trophy Winner. Mendoza previously played the first two years of his college tenure with the California Golden Bears, before transferring to the Indiana-based program ahead of the 2025 season.
Read More: Fernando Mendoza Religion in Spotlight After QB Reveals Real Reason Behind Heisman Trophy Celebration
Fernando Mendoza Spoke On The Championship-Clinching Touchdown He Scored
In the 9:28 mark of the fourth quarter between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes, Fernando Mendoza blitzed the defense and ran it up on Fourth-and-5. He was then met by several Hurricanes defenders but even with getting battered as he entered the end zone, Mendoza managed to score the touchdown that put the Hoosiers up by 10 points, 24-14, at that time. During his post-game interview, Mendoza talked about the play.
“My offensive linemen blocked perfectly and we were able to execute as a team toward a common goal. Have the Indiana Hoosier synergy to score and to give our team a chance to win the game. I had to go airborne. I’d die for my team. Whatever they need me to do. They need me to take shots in the front or the back, whatever it is, I’m gonna die for my team out there and I know they’re going to do the same for me,” Mendoza was quoted as saying.
“That’s what makes us so close. That’s what makes the national championship so special.”
Also Read: Former 2x National Champ Takes Clear Stance On Fernando Mendoza’s Responsibility Ahead Of Miami Matchup
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