Fernando Mendoza has had a dream run in the 2025 season. He has had the best year of his career, he has led an unbeaten Indiana Hoosiers into the national title final game, and has won several individual awards.
The biggest moment of his season so far happened in December 2025 when he won the coveted Heisman Trophy. His list of trophies from this season also includes the AP College Football Player of the Year.
Mendoza, a Saint Paul parishioner since enrolling at Indiana last winter, had said that if he won the Heisman Trophy, he’d bring the trophy to the priests at the St. Paul Center at his university.
The Hoosiers quarterback fulfilled his promise. During a recent press conference, Mendoza spoke on his faith and detailed why he feels so deeply connected to god.
“I’m a Catholic. I’m a Catholic man,” Mendoza said. “They’ve done so much to help me whether it’s confession or just be able to talk or mass every Sunday. So, I really give a lot that I have accomplished this season, in my life to the lord.”
Mendoza reminded people that even when he won the Heisman Trophy, the first thing he said in his acceptance speech was, “Give all glory to god.” Pavia credits a lot of his success to god and the constant guidance.
He also praised his “religious mentors” and stated that he chose to share his Heisman moment with his religious mentors because they have helped him a lot on his journey to stardom.
Fernando Mendoza Thanked His Mother
Mendoza has had the support of the people who are closest to him. His mother has been his biggest inspiration in life, and the quarterback has talked about her sacrifices and support several times over the years.
In the biggest moment of his career, when he stood in front of a crowd to accept his Heisman Trophy, Mendoza thanked his mother for everything she had done for him.
“You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my life. You’re my why. You’ve always been my biggest supporter. Your sacrifices, courage, love, my first playbook, my playbook I’m going to carry through my side my entire life,” Mendoza said.
“You taught me that toughness doesn’t need to be loud. It can be quiet and strong. It’s choosing hope. It’s believing in yourself when the world doesn’t give you much reason to. Together, you and I are rewriting what people think is possible. I love you.”
The Indiana quarterback is now just one win away from the national title. If he manages to defeat Miami today, he’ll close one of the best seasons a quarterback has ever had in college football.
Read More:
Indiana vs. Miami Weather Report Today: Hard Rock Stadium Forecast Ahead Of CFP Championship Game
Indiana vs. Miami Projected Starting Lineup And Depth Chart For CFP National Championship 2026
CFP Last Injury Report: Who’s In and Who’s Out as Indiana Battle Miami?
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
