After leading the Indiana Hoosiers to an unbeaten regular season on top of winning the Big Ten championship, quarterback Fernando Mendoza was honored with the 2025 Heisman Trophy over other finalists, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
Let’s take a look at what Mendoza had over the rest of the finalists.
Why Fernando Mendoza Won The Heisman Trophy?
1) Historic Season with an unbeaten record
Mendoza led the Hoosiers to a perfect 13-0 season, guiding them to both a Big Ten Championship and a No. 1 ranking. This gave him an edge over close rival Diego Pavia, whose Vanderbilt was snubbed from the final College Football Playoff field. Voters have known to favor those players for Heisman whose team are in the playoffs.
2) Elite passing efficiency
Mendoza completed 71.5 % of his passes while piling up 2,980 yards and 33 touchdown passes, the most in college football this season. His efficiency set him apart from other finalists.
3) Big moments in big games
Mendoza delivered in critical moments, including a game-winning drive in the Big Ten Championship Game against Ohio State.
4) Dual-threat production
He added 240 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, making him a true dual-threat QB.
5) Award sweep & recognition
Apart from the Heisman, Fernando Mendoza also swept major honors such as the Maxwell Award, AP Player of the Year, and Davey O’Brien Award.
Fernando Mendoza’s Top Performance and Key Stats In 2025 Season
Top Performance:
His best performance in the season came in the 73-0 win over Indiana State in which he threw five touchdown passes and one rushing score while completing 19 of 20 passes for 270 yards.
2025 Stats:
- Yards: 2,980
- Touchdowns: 33 (most in nation)
- Completion %: 71.5 %
- Passer Rating: 181.4
- Interceptions: 6
- Rushing Yards: 240
- Rushing TDs: 6
- Total TDs Accounted For: 39
Indiana Heisman trophy winners
| Year | Player | Position | Result | Notes |
| 2025 | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Winner | First Heisman Trophy winner in Indiana football history |
| 1989 | Anthony Thompson | RB | Runner-up | Finished second in Heisman voting (closest prior finalist for Indiana). |
Where Fernando Mendoza’s Win Ranks All-Time?
Fernando Mendoza is the first player in Indiana Hoosiers history to win the Heisman Trophy. Moreover, the quarterback is the first Big Ten Heisman winner since 2006.
Read More News:
Johnny Manziel Makes Heisman Favorite Very Clear With 3 Word Message
Big Ten Injury Report Week 7: Who’s In And Who’s Out? Ft. Lorenzo Styles Jr, Tony Rojas, and More
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!
