Indiana Quarterback Fernando Mendoza Claims 2025 Heisman Trophy in Historic Program First

New York, Sunday, 14 December 2025.
On Saturday evening, December 13, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza was awarded the 91st Heisman Trophy, marking a watershed moment in collegiate athletics. Mendoza becomes the first player in Indiana University history to receive college football’s most prestigious individual accolade, following an unprecedented 13-0 season and a Big Ten championship title. Entering the ceremony at Jazz at Lincoln Center as the overwhelming favorite with -1200 odds, Mendoza secured the victory over finalists Diego Pavia, Jeremiyah Love, and Julian Sayin. His selection underscores a significant shift in the competitive landscape, as he also claimed the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien awards earlier this week. This victory not only validates Mendoza’s statistical dominance—leading the FBS in passing touchdowns—but also cements the Hoosiers’ transformation under Coach of the Year Curt Cignetti.