Fernando Mendoza Makes History as First Indiana Heisman Trophy Winner in 2025
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the 2025 Heisman Trophy, becoming the first Hoosier to receive college football's most prestigious award after an outstanding season.
Overview
- Fernando Mendoza, a first-year starter and transfer from California, made history by becoming the first Indiana Hoosier to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2025.
- Mendoza's exceptional performance included 2,980 passing yards, 33 touchdown passes, and six rushing scores, leading Division I FBS quarterbacks in touchdown passes.
- He guided the Indiana Hoosiers to their first-ever No. 1 ranking and an unbeaten season, securing their top seed in the College Football bracket.
- Mendoza received 2,362 first-place votes, beating finalists like Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia, Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love, and Ohio State's Julian Sayin.
- Beyond the Heisman, Mendoza was also named The Associated Press Player of the Year and received the Maxwell and Davey O'Brien awards, solidifying his status as college football's top player.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by consistently employing descriptive and evaluative language to characterize the Heisman winner and finalists. They emphasize individual journeys, unique talents, and dramatic backstories, creating a narrative of exceptionalism and triumph. This editorial choice elevates the athletes beyond mere statistics, making their accomplishments more compelling and personal.
"Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, becoming the first Hoosier to win college football’s most prestigious award since its inception in 1935."
Chicago Tribune"Mendoza gave a rather heart-warming and emotional acceptance speech, with several mentions to his family, including his mom Elsa, who is battling multiple sclerosis."
USA TODAY"Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, becoming the first Hoosier to win college football's most prestigious award since its inception in 1935."
CBS News"Mendoza claimed 2,362 first place votes."
Chicago Sun-Times"Mendoza's journey to the top of college football was a story in itself."
USA TODAYArticles (8)
FAQ
Mendoza led FBS quarterbacks with 33 passing touchdowns and threw for 2,980 yards with a 71.5% completion rate in 2025, outpacing finalists such as Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin in touchdown passes and earning 2,362 first-place Heisman votes.
In addition to the Heisman Trophy, Mendoza was named The Associated Press Player of the Year and won the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien awards in 2025, recognizing him as the nation’s top college football player and top quarterback.[1]
Mendoza guided Indiana to an unbeaten 13–0 season, the program’s first No. 1 ranking, and the top seed in the College Football bracket during the 2025 season.
Mendoza was a transfer from California who announced his move to Indiana in December 2024 and became a first-year starter for the Hoosiers in 2025, leading the team to its historic season and individual honors.
Mendoza posted a 71.5% completion percentage, a 181.4 passer rating (CFB rating listed as 181.39), and threw only six interceptions across 316 attempts in 13 games, indicating high efficiency and a low turnover rate for the season.
History
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