Fernando Mendoza’s 2026 season will be remembered as one of the greatest individual campaigns in college football history. The Indiana Hoosiers quarterback capped off a remarkable year by leading his team to a thrilling 34-31 victory over Miami in the College Football Playoff National Championship, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
The Heisman Trophy Winner
Mendoza’s journey to college football immortality began with his Heisman Trophy win in December 2025. The award, given annually to the most outstanding player in college football, recognized Mendoza’s exceptional performance throughout the regular season. He threw for 4,287 yards and 42 touchdowns with just 6 interceptions, posting a quarterback rating of 178.3—the second-highest in FBS history.
“Winning the Heisman was a dream come true, but it was just the beginning,” Mendoza said after the ceremony. “We had unfinished business to take care of.”
The California native’s path to Indiana was unconventional. After three seasons at Cal, where he showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with inconsistent offensive line play and limited weapons, Mendoza entered the transfer portal seeking a championship opportunity. Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti, fresh off a stunning turnaround season, offered Mendoza exactly what he was looking for: a proven offensive system, elite talent around him, and a legitimate shot at a national title.
The Transfer That Changed Everything
Mendoza’s decision to transfer to Indiana raised eyebrows across the college football landscape. The Hoosiers had never been considered a traditional powerhouse, but Cignetti’s arrival in 2024 changed the program’s trajectory overnight. In his first season, Cignetti led Indiana to an 11-1 record and a spot in the College Football Playoff, establishing the foundation for Mendoza’s arrival.
The fit was perfect from day one. Cignetti’s offensive system, which emphasizes quick decision-making, precise route-running, and explosive plays, played to Mendoza’s strengths. The quarterback’s ability to read defenses, deliver accurate throws under pressure, and extend plays with his mobility made him the ideal signal-caller for Indiana’s high-powered attack.
“Fernando is the most talented quarterback I’ve ever coached,” Cignetti said during the season. “His football IQ is off the charts, and his work ethic is second to none. He makes everyone around him better.”
The Championship Run
Indiana’s path to the national championship was nothing short of spectacular. The Hoosiers finished the regular season 12-0, dominating opponents with an average margin of victory of 24.3 points. Mendoza was the catalyst, orchestrating an offense that averaged 45.2 points per game—the highest in the nation.
In the College Football Playoff semifinals, Indiana faced defending champion Michigan in the Rose Bowl. The game was a shootout, with Mendoza throwing for 412 yards and 5 touchdowns in a 52-45 victory. His performance included a game-winning 67-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Elijah Sarratt with just 1:47 remaining, silencing doubters who questioned whether Indiana belonged on college football’s biggest stage.
“That was the moment I knew we were going to win it all,” offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan recalled. “Fernando was in complete control. There was no panic, no hesitation. He knew exactly what he wanted to do, and he executed it perfectly.”
The National Championship Game
The title game against Miami was a classic. The Hurricanes, led by Heisman finalist Cam Ward, came out firing, taking a 17-7 lead in the second quarter. But Mendoza remained poised, leading Indiana on three consecutive touchdown drives to give the Hoosiers a 28-24 halftime advantage.
The second half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows. Miami regained the lead 31-28 with 4:32 remaining on a Ward touchdown pass, setting the stage for Mendoza’s heroics.
Taking over at his own 25-yard line, Mendoza methodically moved Indiana down the field. He completed 6 of 7 passes for 68 yards, mixing in a crucial 12-yard scramble on third-and-9 to keep the drive alive. With 42 seconds left, Mendoza found tight end Zach Horton in the back of the end zone for a 7-yard touchdown, giving Indiana a 34-31 lead.
“I’ve never been more confident in my life,” Mendoza said after the game. “I knew we were going to score. It was just a matter of executing.”
Miami had one final chance, but Indiana’s defense—anchored by linebacker James Carpenter and safety D’Angelo Ponds—forced an incomplete pass on fourth down to seal the victory.
The Legacy
Mendoza finished the championship game with 378 yards and 3 touchdowns, earning Offensive MVP honors. For the season, he threw for 5,103 yards and 54 touchdowns—both school records—while completing 72.1% of his passes.
His performance throughout the year drew comparisons to some of college football’s greatest quarterbacks. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit called Mendoza’s 2026 season “one of the five best quarterback seasons I’ve ever seen,” while former NFL quarterback and analyst Dan Orlovsky said Mendoza was “the most NFL-ready quarterback prospect since Trevor Lawrence.”
But for Mendoza, the individual accolades pale in comparison to the team’s accomplishment. “This is what I came to Indiana for,” he said while holding the national championship trophy. “To win it all with this group of guys—there’s no better feeling in the world.”
What’s Next
With his college career complete, Mendoza is now focused on the NFL Draft. Mock drafts project him as a top-5 pick, with several quarterback-needy teams—including the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans—expressing strong interest.
NFL scouts rave about Mendoza’s combination of arm talent, accuracy, mobility, and leadership. His ability to process information quickly and make sound decisions under pressure has drawn comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes.
“Fernando has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL,” one AFC general manager said. “He’s got the arm, the athleticism, the intelligence, and the intangibles. He’s a winner.”
Regardless of where he lands, Mendoza’s place in college football history is secure. His Heisman Trophy and national championship will forever be remembered as the culmination of one of the sport’s greatest individual seasons.
Fernando Mendoza arrived at Indiana with a mission: to win a national championship. Mission accomplished.
