Indiana University’s star quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, has clinched the prestigious Heisman Trophy, marking him as the top player in college football for the year 2025.

Mendoza’s triumph comes after leading the Hoosiers through an impeccable undefeated season, making him the first player from Indiana to ever secure the Heisman. Additionally, he is the pioneering Cuban-American to receive this esteemed accolade.

Having transferred to Indiana from the University of California, Mendoza’s standout year was further underscored by garnering three other major honors: the Maxwell Award, the Walter Camp Award, and the AP College Football Player of the Year award.

In a competitive race for the Heisman, Mendoza outperformed notable contenders, including Vanderbilt’s quarterback Diego Pavia, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, and Notre Dame’s running back Jeremiyah Love.

During his acceptance speech, Mendoza was visibly moved, expressing heartfelt gratitude to his family for their unwavering support throughout his life. His emotional acknowledgment earned widespread admiration from fans, highlighting his sincerity and heartfelt nature.

‘In fourth grade, I was a new kid on the park football team, didn’t know a single teammate and was fourth on the depth chart,’ Mendoza said.

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has won the Heisman Trophy as player of the year

Mendoza broke down in his speech when thanking his parents for their support

‘By mid season, I wanted to get out of there. I wanted to quit. My parents said I had to finish what I started. 

‘So I learned to embrace my team and that is when I fell in love with football. By high school, I was chasing the first stages of a pipe dream: to play in college. Then Covid hit, cut the season short.

‘The result? I was only a two-star prospect, I only had one scholarship offer. But my family’s unconditional love and belief kept me going and pushed me forward. These are the people who built me long before football did. 

‘Mamí, this is your trophy as much as it is mine. You’ve always been my biggest fan, you’re my light you’re my “why”… Papí, thank you for grounding me. Thank you for holding me accountable… and reminding me that talent means nothing without discipline and consistency.’

Mendoza concluded his speech. saying, ‘This is an important one: I want every kid out there who feels overlooked, underestimated to know I was you. I was that kid too I was in your shoes. 

‘The truth is, you don’t need the most stars hype or rankings, you just need discipline heart and people who believe in you – and you need to believe in your own abilities. 

‘I hope this moment shows you that chasing your dreams are worth it, no matter how big or impossible they seem. God bless, Go Hoosiers.’

Mendoza is the first Indiana player and the first Cuban-American to win the Heisman

Mendoza’s strong play helped guide Indiana to its first undefeated season in 80 years

Fans praised Mendoza for his speech, calling it one of the greatest in the history of the award.

‘I’m glad he won,’ one commenter on X said. ‘He seems like a good, humble kid.’ 

Another comment read, ‘Tremendous speech. Guy has a future in politics if football doesn’t work out.’ 

‘Fernando Mendoza just gave the greatest Heisman Trophy speech of all time,’ the official account of Hard Rock Bet posted.

‘How can you not love this guy?’ another account posted.

One account wrote, ‘Mendoza just turned a Heisman moment into a lesson on humility, respect and the importance of where you come from.’ 

Mendoza won the Big Ten title with Indiana and led them to the No. 1 seed in the playoff

This season, Mendoza passed for 2,980 yards while leading the nation with 39 passing touchdowns. His passer rating of 181.4 was the third best mark in the country.

With him under center, Indiana won their first Big Ten title since 1967 and went undefeated for the first time since 1945.

Indiana is the No. 1 overall seed in this year’s College Football Playoff. It’s also their first appearance in the playoff in school history.

The Hoosiers will play in the Rose Bowl against the winner of the first-round game between 8-seed Oklahoma and 9-seed Alabama.