Dec 13, 2025 - Sports

Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza wins the Heisman

Russell Contreras

Indiana Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza throws a pass during the Big Ten Championship football game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Ohio State Buckeyes on December 6, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Photo: James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza has won the Heisman Trophy, adding to his historic season.

Why it matters: Mendoza is only the third Latino player to win the coveted honor given to college football's best player, but is the first Cuban American to take it.

The big picture: Mendoza beat out Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin.

Zoom in: Mendoza was named Associated Press player of the year on Thursday after leading unbeaten and top-ranked Indiana to its first Big Ten championship since 1967 and the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.

Mendoza has thrown for a Bowl Subdivision-leading 33 touchdowns and run for six, giving him a school-record 39 TDs.
The Miami-born Mendoza is the grandson of Cuban immigrants and has cited his Cuban ancestry as crucial for his love of football.

Flashback: Stanford quarterback Jim Plunkett became the first Latino to win the Heisman Trophy in 1970, and later became the first Mexican American quarterback to win a Super Bowl with Mexican American coach Tom Flores with the Oakland Raiders.

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, whose grandfather was born in Mexico, became the second Latino to win the Heisman in 2021.

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Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza wins the Heisman

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