Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza was rewarded with the Heisman Trophy after registering an exceptional season, leading the Hoosiers to a perfect 13-0 record, including winning the Big Ten Championship game 13-10 against defending national champions Ohio State Buckeyes.
With this, he becomes the first Hoosier player to win the Heisman Trophy ever. Previously, in 1989, running back Anthony Thompson finished runner-up in the voting.
During his acceptance speech at the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York, Mendoza gave a loud shout-out to his mother, Elsa Mendoza, acknowledging her efforts and hard work in raising him.
“Mommy, this is your trophy as much as it is mine,” Mendoza said of his mother. You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my light. You’re my why. You’re my biggest supporter. Your sacrifices, courage, and love — those have been my first playbook, and the playbook that I’m going to carry with me through my entire life.
“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. Thank you.”
As Mendoza was saying the above words, tears rolled down his cheeks, and even her mother, who was seated, had her eyes filled with tears.
“Together you and I are rewriting what people think is possible.”
Fernando Mendoza to his mom after winning the Heisman ❤️ pic.twitter.com/E2CO1eV41q
— espnW (@espnW) December 14, 2025
Fernando Mendoza Overwhelmed After Winning Heisman Trophy
After accepting the Heisman Trophy, Fernando Mendoza took to the podium and thanked his teammates and supporters, highlighting that the award was a reflection of his team’s greatness. Mendoza reflected on his journey from Miami to becoming the first Heisman winner from Indiana.
“Standing here tonight, holding this bad boy, representing Indiana University still doesn’t feel real,” Mendoza said. “If you told me as a kid in Miami, that I’d be here on stage holding this prestigious trophy, I probably would have laughed, cried like I’m doing now or both. Because this moment, it’s an honor, it’s bigger than me. It’s a product of a family, team, community and a whole lot of people who believed in me long before anybody knew my name.”
Mendoza also shared an inspirational note for young athletes who feel overlooked. He wants them to know that discipline, heart and people are the real ingredients behind any accomplishment.
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