Fernando Mendoza Makes History, Wins Manning Award After Leading Indiana to National Title

Indiana football’s meteoric rise to a national championship would have been impossible without quarterback Fernando Mendoza, whose leadership and playmaking carried the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 season. In December, Mendoza received the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player from the program to earn the honor, and the accolades have continued to pour in.

On Friday, Mendoza added another first to his resume, becoming the first Big Ten quarterback to win the Manning Award, which recognizes the nation’s top quarterback while factoring in postseason performance. His exceptional play in the College Football Playoffs, combined with his regular-season dominance, made him a clear choice for the award.

During Indiana’s playoff run, Mendoza threw for 555 yards and eight touchdowns across three games against Alabama, Oregon, and Miami. His quarterback rating over the playoffs was an impressive 95.3, and he completed 77.3% of his passes, showcasing both accuracy and poise under pressure.

For the season as a whole, Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and posted the nation’s top quarterback rating at 90.3. His performance propelled the Hoosiers to a historic 27-21 victory over Miami in the national championship, marking Indiana’s first-ever title in football—a program historically better known for its basketball pedigree.

1. Awards Pile Up for Mendoza

Mendoza’s trophy case grew rapidly throughout the season. In addition to the Manning Award and Heisman, he earned the Maxwell Award as the nation’s most outstanding player, the Walter Camp Player of the Year, and the Davey O’Brien Award for the nation’s top quarterback. His accolades extended beyond national awards, too. Mendoza was named the Grange-Griffin Big Ten Championship Game MVP and the Peach Bowl Offensive MVP, highlighting his ability to shine in high-pressure postseason matchups. He also received AP All-American honors and was named first-team All-Big Ten, reflecting his dominance both within the conference and across the country. These honors solidify Mendoza as one of the most decorated players in the history of Indiana football. With his combination of accuracy, arm strength, and leadership, Mendoza became the face of a Hoosiers team that had never won a national championship before. His awards are a reflection not only of personal achievement but also of his transformative impact on the program.

2. Historic Season on the Field

Indiana’s 2025 season was a breakthrough in every sense. The Hoosiers went undefeated at 16-0, culminating in a 27-21 win over Miami in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Mendoza’s consistency and clutch performances were central to Indiana achieving what many believed was impossible. Throughout the season, Mendoza averaged an astounding 77.3% completion rate while spreading the ball effectively to his receivers. He totaled 3,535 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, leading Indiana’s offense with poise and precision. In the playoffs, Mendoza continued his dominance, putting up 555 passing yards and eight touchdowns against top-tier programs. His leadership under pressure allowed Indiana to outlast powerhouse teams like Alabama and Oregon en route to their title. The 2025 season will go down in Indiana history, as the Hoosiers captured their first national championship in football and cemented Mendoza’s legacy as the player who elevated the program to an elite level.

3. Mendoza Eyes the NFL

Following the culmination of his historic season, Mendoza officially declared for the NFL Draft, announcing the decision on LinkedIn, an unconventional choice for such a high-profile player. Speculation is already swirling that the Las Vegas Raiders are among the teams most interested in selecting him early. While Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti will return for the 2026 season, the Hoosiers will face an uphill challenge in defending their title without Mendoza at the helm. His departure leaves a significant void at quarterback and removes a key playmaker who was central to the team’s success. Mendoza’s accolades and national championship have already cemented him as one of the most accomplished players in Big Ten history. His combination of awards, statistical dominance, and postseason heroics make him a highly coveted prospect at the next level. Looking ahead, the focus shifts to Mendoza’s professional career and Indiana’s ability to sustain success without the player who led them to their first national title. The Hoosiers’ championship season will remain defined by Mendoza’s record-breaking performance.