Sports

Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza Goes ‘Full Circle’ Amid National Championship

Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, was one of the main heroes in an unprecedented national championship season for the Hoosiers.
Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza Goes ‘Full Circle’ Amid National Championship
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza holds the trophy after their win against Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Jan. 19, 2026. Marta Lavandier/AP Photo
Matthew Davis
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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza delivered a storybook ending to a dream season for the Hoosiers after they beat the Miami Hurricanes 27–21 in the College Football Playoff on Jan. 19.

The Heisman Trophy winner only threw for 186 yards and rushed for -8 yards, but he scored a fourth-quarter rushing touchdown to propel his team to victory, right where he grew up in Miami.

Matthew Davis
Matthew Davis
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Matthew Davis is an experienced, award-winning journalist who has covered major professional and college sports for years. His writing has appeared on Heavy, the Star Tribune, and The Catholic Spirit. He has a degree in mass communication from North Dakota State University.