In a battle between the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in college football to determine the conference champion, Indiana Hoosiers fans received one of their biggest scares. The Athletic’s Chris Vannini has reported that quarterback Fernando Mendoza was hit hard during the first play of the game and went down.
This drew concerns from Hoosiers fans, as Mendoza has had a Heisman-worthy season and led Indiana to an undefeated regular season.
Oh no, Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza is down and hurt after the first play of the game. Took a big hit.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) December 7, 2025
However, Vanini soon reported that the Heisman favorite left the field but soon toughed it out and returned to the game after just one play. Indiana fans are now breathing a sigh of relief.
Back in after one play on the sideline. Whew.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) December 7, 2025
Fernando Mendoza’s brother, Albert Mendoza, briefly replaced him when he was sidelined. After that play, Fernando replaced Albert to huge cheers from the Indiana faithful.
It was Indiana that started with the ball, and that big hit on Mendoza occurred on the very first play. He received much praise from analysts, as the hit he took was a hard one.
As of writing, Indiana and Ohio State are still battling it out for not just the top spot in the College Football Playoffs, but also the Big Ten conference title. Both teams ended the regular season undefeated, and this game should determine which team gets the advantage during the CFP. It should also give either Fernando Mendoza or Ohio State QB Julian Sayin a better argument for their Heisman campaign this year.
Fernando Mendoza, Julian Sayin In A Close Fight For The Heisman
The winner of this game could determine who among Fernando Mendoza and Julian Sayin could win the Heisman trophy, the most coveted individual award in college football. Both are neck-and-neck, and both have still-undefeated teams.
Mendoza holds the advantage in yards per attempt, air yards per attempt, as well as passing touchdowns, though he does have a higher interception percentage. Meanwhile, Sayin holds the advantage in completion percentage and has the No. 1 passer rating.
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