In one of the most remarkable stories in college football history, Fernando Gabriel Mendoza Ayau led the Indiana Hoosiers to their first-ever national championship, defeating the Miami Hurricanes in a thrilling College Football Playoff National Championship game. The former Cal quarterback, who transferred to Indiana just over a year ago, capped off a perfect 15-0 season with a performance that will be remembered for generations.
The Fourth-Down Heroics
With the game on the line, Mendoza delivered one of the most iconic plays in national championship history. Facing fourth down and needing a touchdown to keep Indiana’s hopes alive, Mendoza scrambled out of the pocket and dove across the goal line, bloodied but triumphant. The play instantly became an all-time classic, showcasing the determination and grit that defined Mendoza’s entire season.
“I’d die for my team,” Mendoza said after the game, his face still showing the battle scars from the brutal hit he took on the touchdown dive. “This is what we worked for all year. This is Indiana football.”
From Cal to Championship Glory
Mendoza’s journey to this moment began in Berkeley, where he spent three seasons as Cal’s starting quarterback. After throwing for over 3,000 yards in back-to-back seasons with the Golden Bears, Mendoza entered the transfer portal in December 2024, seeking a program that could compete for championships.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti immediately recognized Mendoza’s potential and made him a priority recruit. The decision paid off beyond anyone’s wildest expectations. Mendoza didn’t just lead Indiana to wins—he transformed the entire program, bringing a winning mentality and championship pedigree that elevated everyone around him.
A Perfect Season
Indiana’s 15-0 record represents the first perfect season in program history and one of the greatest single-season turnarounds in college football. The Hoosiers, who had never won a national championship before, dominated opponents throughout the regular season and playoff, with Mendoza at the center of it all.
His statistics were staggering: over 4,500 passing yards, 45 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions. But numbers alone don’t capture Mendoza’s impact. His leadership, poise under pressure, and ability to make plays when it mattered most made him the heart and soul of Indiana’s championship run.
The Miami Connection
The national championship matchup against Miami carried extra significance for Mendoza, who has deep roots in South Florida. Miami had recruited Mendoza during the transfer portal process, but he ultimately chose Indiana and Cignetti’s vision for building a championship program.
After the victory, Mendoza took a subtle shot at Miami, saying, “I made the right choice.” The comment reflected not just personal vindication but also the validation of Indiana’s entire program transformation under Cignetti.
Heisman Trophy Winner
Mendoza’s national championship victory came just weeks after he won the 2025 Heisman Trophy, becoming the first Indiana player ever to receive college football’s most prestigious individual award. The Heisman ceremony in New York City was emotional for Mendoza, who thanked his family, coaches, and teammates for believing in him.
“This trophy belongs to everyone who supported me on this journey,” Mendoza said during his acceptance speech. “From Guatemala to California to Indiana, I’ve been blessed with people who believed in my dream.”
NFL Future
With the national championship secured, Mendoza’s attention now turns to the 2026 NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders hold the first overall pick, and speculation is rampant that they will select Mendoza to be their franchise quarterback. Raiders minority owner Tom Brady was spotted at the national championship game, fueling rumors that the team is preparing to make Mendoza the face of their franchise.
Regardless of where he lands in the NFL, Mendoza has already secured his legacy as one of the greatest college football players of all time. His journey from immigrant kid to Heisman Trophy winner to national champion is the stuff of legend, and Indiana fans will be telling his story for generations to come.
Mendoza said after the game, his face still showing the battle scars from the brutal hit he took on the touchdown dive. “This is what we worked for all year. This is Indiana football.”
From Cal to Championship Glory
Mendoza’s journey to this moment began in Berkeley, where he spent three seasons as Cal’s starting quarterback. After throwing for over 3,000 yards in back-to-back seasons with the Golden Bears, Mendoza entered the transfer portal in December 2024, seeking a program that could compete for championships.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti immediately recognized Mendoza’s potential and made him a priority recruit. The decision paid off beyond anyone’s wildest expectations. Mendoza didn’t just lead Indiana to wins—he transformed the entire program, bringing a winning mentality and championship pedigree that elevated everyone around him.
A Perfect Season
Indiana’s 15-0 record represents the first perfect season in program history and one of the greatest single-season turnarounds in college football. The Hoosiers, who had never won a national championship before, dominated opponents throughout the regular season and playoff, with Mendoza at the center of it all.
His statistics were staggering: over 4,500 passing yards, 45 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions. But numbers alone don’t capture Mendoza’s impact. His leadership, poise under pressure, and ability to make plays w
