Fernando Mendoza named the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, capping a dominant year

Fernando Mendoza is the winner of the 2025 Heisman Trophy following a standout season in which he threw for 33 touchdowns and 2,980 yards to help Indiana establish a 13-0 record. The season was undoubtedly a showcase of his talent as a quarterback and the significant potential he has to offer.

Now, as a Heisman winner, Fernando Mendoza will have an extra boost heading into the NFL, where he is sure to be a highly contested pick by teams in need of a top quarterback with innate talent and the potential to be a franchise centerpiece.

For Indiana, Fernando Mendoza winning the Heisman is a tremendously important achievement, as it is the first time in program history that one of their players has won the trophy. Furthermore, thanks to him, the team won a conference title this season, something that had not happened since 1945.

Mendoza’s Heisman acceptance speech

Among the things Mendoza said after winning the Heisman, he spoke about how sometimes you don’t need the highest-ranked players or rankings to go far with a team; the important factors are focus and believing that the talent you possess is enough to succeed.

“The truth is, you don’t need the most stars, hype, or rankings. You just need discipline, heart, and people who believe, and you need to believe in your own abilities. I hope this moment shows you that chasing your dreams is worth it.”

He also dedicated some words to his former team: “To my Cal family, thank you for being the first to believe in my future. Thank you for the opportunity, educating me and giving me the foundation that enabled me to grow into the person I am today.”

And of course, he didn’t forget his mother: “Mom, this is your trophy as much as it is mine. You’ve always been my biggest fan … Your sacrifices, courage, love…,” Mendoza said. “Those have been my first playbook and the playbook that I’m gonna carry by my side, through my entire life…”