Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza Wins Maxwell and Davey O’Brien Awards After Historic Season

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has emerged as one of college football’s premier talents, capturing the Maxwell Award as the nation’s most outstanding player and the Davey O’Brien Award as the top quarterback. The redshirt junior received the honors Friday during ESPN’s College Football Awards show, one day after being named the Associated Press Player of the Year.

Mendoza has also positioned himself as a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy, with the award scheduled to be announced on Saturday. His performance has elevated the Hoosiers to historic heights, showcasing both his skill and leadership on the field.

A transfer from California, Mendoza guided Indiana to a perfect 13-0 season. The Hoosiers captured their first Big Ten title in nearly 60 years, earned the top seed in the College Football Playoff, and recorded their first undefeated regular season since 1945. The team also ended a 37-year losing streak to Ohio State with a 20-17 victory, propelling Indiana to its first No. 1 AP ranking in program history.

Statistically, Mendoza has been dominant. He completed 226 of 316 passes for 2,980 yards, throwing 33 touchdowns with only six interceptions, yielding a 71.5% completion rate. He ranks second nationally with 39 total touchdowns and has scored in each of Indiana’s last 12 games, including five contests with four or more passing touchdowns.

1. Awards and Accolades

This week’s honors add to Mendoza’s already impressive résumé. In addition to the Maxwell and O’Brien Awards, he has earned the Walter Camp Player of the Year and AP Player of the Year, making him the first Hoosiers player to receive the AP award and the program’s second Maxwell winner after Anthony Thompson in 1989. He is also the first quarterback from Indiana to win the Davey O’Brien Award. Mendoza’s recognition extends beyond awards; his play has drawn national attention, including projections from ESPN analyst Field Yates, who has identified him as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, possibly via a trade scenario involving the New York Jets. The Maxwell Award selection was made over finalists Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, both Heisman contenders, alongside Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia. Mendoza’s consistency, leadership, and production have clearly set him apart in a competitive field of quarterbacks. His combination of statistics, team success, and leadership underscores why he has been the centerpiece of Indiana’s unprecedented 2025 campaign.

2. Historic Impact on Indiana Football

Mendoza’s season has elevated the Hoosiers to levels unseen in decades. Indiana not only went undefeated but also claimed the Big Ten championship for the first time since 1967, establishing a program benchmark. The victory over Ohio State ended a 37-year losing streak and served as a defining moment for both Mendoza and Indiana football. It also helped secure the program’s first No. 1 AP ranking, providing national validation for a team that had often been overlooked in prior seasons. Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti also received national recognition, winning Coach of the Year honors for the second consecutive season. His guidance and Mendoza’s on-field execution have combined to produce a season that could reshape expectations for the program going forward. The Hoosiers’ success is a testament to both coaching and player development, with Mendoza at the center as a game-changing quarterback capable of leading the program into a new era.

3. Looking Ahead to the Playoffs

Indiana will begin its College Football Playoff run in the quarterfinals, after receiving a first-round bye. The Hoosiers are slated to face the winner of the Alabama–Oklahoma matchup, a contest that will test Mendoza’s leadership against elite competition. With an undefeated record and a Heisman-worthy quarterback, Indiana enters the postseason with momentum and confidence, aiming to make a deep run in the expanded playoff format. Mendoza’s ability to perform under pressure will be crucial as the Hoosiers attempt to translate their historic season into playoff success. His skill set, combined with team cohesion and strategic coaching, positions Indiana as a legitimate contender for the national championship. Mendoza’s poise, accuracy, and ability to elevate his teammates will be tested against some of the nation’s top defenses, making his performance in the playoff quarterfinals a key factor in Indiana’s championship aspirations.