NEW YORK, NY — The case is closed for “Fernando HeisMendoza.”
Indiana Hoosiers junior quarterback Fernando Mendoza made history Saturday night in New York City, winning the 2025 Heisman Trophy, the most prestigious award in all of College Football.
Hailing from Miami, Florida, Mendoza, of Cuban-American descent, as all four of his grandparents immigrated from Cuba to the U.S., became the third-ever Latino to be named the winner of the Heisman Trophy—joining Mexican-Americans Bryce Young (Alabama) in 2021 and Jim Plunkett (Stanford) in 1970.
“I’m at a loss for words, thank you to everybody. I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to chase a dream that once felt a world away,” Mendoza said while attempting to hold back tears as he was recognized for the 91st edition of the Heisman with his loved ones in attendance at NYC’s Lincoln Center.
“Standing here tonight, holding this (trophy), representing Indiana University still doesn’t feel real. 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 bunch of people who believed in me long before anybody knew my name.”
Across 2025, Mendoza carried Indiana, the No. 1 ranked team in the nation ahead of the 12-team College Football Playoff, to an undefeated record of 13-0, including a historic win over the Ohio State Buckeyes—resulting in the Hoosiers’ first outright Big Ten conference title since 1945.
Fernando Mendoza was a two star prospect out of Christopher Columbus High School and transferred to Indiana from Cal University after his sophomore season (2024) – Image Credit: Indiana Football
Additionally, receiving 643 first-place Heisman votes, he compiled the most passing touchdowns in Indiana football program history with 33, and is second nationally on the 2025 campaign in total touchdowns accounted for (39), as well as in quarterback rating (181.39).
“I want every kid out there who feels overlooked, and 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.” -2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza
At one point in Mendoza’s six-minute long Heisman award acceptance speech, he switched from speaking English to Spanish, so he could send a heartfelt, loving thank you to his grandparents Alberto and Alicia Espinoza.
Finishing behind Mendoza for the 2025 Heisman Trophy was yet another Latino in Mexican-American QB Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt, then running back Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame and QB Julian Sayin of Ohio State.
Full 2025 Heisman Trophy Voting Results
- Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza: 643 first place votes, 2,362 points
- Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia: 189 first place votes, 1,435 points
- Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love: 46 first place votes, 719 points
- Ohio State QB Julian Sayin: 8 first place votes, 432 points
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