Moments ago- Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza has been announced as a finalist for the 2025 Heisman Trophy.

Over the last year and a half, Mendoza- a 6 foot 5 junior from Miami, Florida took college football by storm with his “never say die” approach to the game and raw emotions in the biggest moments. Fernando spent the first two seasons at California Berkley before taking his talents to Bloomington, where he led the Indiana Hoosiers to a 12-0 regular season, and most recently downing the defending National Champ Ohio State Buckeyes in the BIG-10 title game.

During the 2025 Season, Fernando Mendoza recorded the following stat line: 2,980 yards, 33 passing TD, 88.5 QBR (3rd NCAA), 71.5% completion, 240 yards rushing, 6 rushing TD. Mendoza’s 39 total touchdowns is a Hoosier program record. Fernando Mendoza becomes the second Hoosier in program history to be named as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, joining Anthony Thompson (1989) as a program legend.

Fernando Mendoza is yet another testament that South Florida Football reigns supreme. The former 3-star gunslinger from Miami Columbus threw for 1,109 yards with 11 touchdowns as a senior, leading the Explorers to the FHSAA 7A Final 4. With Mendoza under center, Columbus reached a #14 rank nationally, via MaxPreps.

Mendoza will be joined in New York City with the following College Football Superstars- RB Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame), QB Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt), QB Julian Sayin (Ohio State) . The Heisman Trophy Ceremony will take place in New York City this Saturday, December 13, with the Ceremony beginning at 8:00PM EST.

Congratulations to the South Florida superstar!