Fernando Mendoza wins the Heisman Trophy as college football's top player

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By EVERETT MERRILL
Updated 8:44 PM CST, December 13, 2025
Leer en español

NEW YORK (AP) — Fernando Mendoza, the enthusiastic quarterback of No. 1 Indiana, won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, becoming the first Hoosier to win college football’s most prestigious award since its inception in 1935.

Mendoza claimed 2,362 points, including 643 first-place votes. He beat Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (1,435 points), Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (719 points) and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (432 points).

Mendoza’s Heisman win was emphatic. He finished first in all six Heisman regions, the first to do so since Caleb Williams in 2022. He was named on 95.16% of all ballots, tying him with Marcus Mariota in 2014 for the second highest in the award’s history and he received 84.6% of total possible points, which is the seventh highest in Heisman history.

“I haven’t seen the numbers yet,” said Mendoza, “but it’s such an honor to be mentioned with these guys (Pavia, Love and Sayin). It’s really a credit to our team. It’s a team award.”


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/heisman-trophy-winner-645f544b5455ee74ec167fa632aa752d

[Drum]

1. I saw a few highlight clips of his playing.

Great stats and a very accurate passer!

[eppur_se_muova]

2. Two Latino names in the top spots -- was ICE waiting just outside the door ? It just wouldn't be surprising under this

kakistocracy.

[radical noodle]

3. trump is already in hot water in Indiana

If ICE lays a finger on either of the Mendoza brothers, all hell will break loose.

[twodogsbarking]

5. Indeed.

[Bengus81]

4. I hope it works out but the Heisman many times hasn't been kind to QB's

entering the NFL. Doug Flutie comes to mind.