Fernando Mendoza recently led his team, the Indiana Hoosiers, to win the National Championship for college football. Before Mendoza, Indiana football was considered a doormat, or “the grave” of The Big Ten; with only 11 winning seasons in 75 years.
This season Mendoza won the 91st Heisman trophy, which is the most prestigious annual award in college football. This trophy honors the most outstanding player in all of college football.
But the story of Fernando Mendoza wasn’t always perfect- in fact it was very far from it prior to this recent season.
Proudly growing up in South Florida Fernando lived in Miami, often going to University of Miami sporting events and cheering them on. Living less than a mile away from campus Mendoza dreamed of playing football at his hometown college.
His senior year he was ranked as a 2-star quarterback, with very limited offers and recruitment out of his high school. In trying to follow his dreams, he attended a walk-on tryout at University of Miami and was rejected.
Eventually he decided to attend University of California – Berkeley, pursuing a business degree. Midway through his redshirt freshman year, he took over as the starting quarterback.
In December 2024, he entered the transfer portal and was picked up by Indiana. With an incredible season he threw over 30 touchdowns and 3,000+ yards in a season, leading Indiana to their first national title, a 2026 Rose Bowl win, and an undefeated season.
As more than just an athlete, Fernando Mendoza prioritized his future outside of football as well. Famously known for often updating his Linkedin, Mendoza attended various summer internships while taking rigorous courses in finance. He received his bachelor’s degree in three years and is now pursuing an MBA.
At the 2026 National College Football championship, Indiana University faced the University of Miami. In this full circle moment for Mendoza playing at the University of Miami’s stadium, a few minutes from where he grew up, playing a team that rejected him, he defeated the Hurricanes 21-27.
In addition, not only did his team win, he had an incredible touchdown run after diving into the end zone. So Fernando Mendoza, beat his hometown team- who rejected him- with a game-winning touchdown play.
He often attributes his mom to be his why. He says his mom’s endless persistence has been his “life playbook.” His mother has been battling multiple sclerosis (MS) for 18 years, confining her to a wheelchair. Despite hardships such as that he continues to be positive and a light among the sporting world.
Remaining humble, Mendoza constantly attributes his success to his teammates, coaches, family and God- rather than his own athletic abilities.
Also proudly representing his Cuban heritage, Mendoza thanked his grandparents in his Heisman speech by speaking Spanish, in English it translates: “For the love and sacrifice of my parents and grandparents, I love you a lot. From all my heart, I thank you.”
On January 23, 2026 Mendoza officially declared for the 2026 NFL draft to further his football career.
The world of sports, especially football, has benefited from Fernando Mendoza’s constant positivity, and the joy he brings to every event, game, and interview.
After reflecting upon his football journey he left specific pieces of advice on his Linkedin:
“1. Believe in yourself: Four years ago, I was a two-star recruit playing high school football 30 minutes from Hard Rock Stadium with a dream of playing at the highest level. Two days ago, I became a National Champion in that same stadium, surrounded by the family who never stopped believing in me.
2. Take the risk: When it’s 4th and 5 at the 12-yard line, go for it.
3. Remember who got you there: Thank you to my teammates, coaches, support staff, professors, and everyone behind the scenes who helped make this happen.”
