Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza became the first Hoosier to win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday. Todd Van Emst/Heisman Trust/Imagn Images/Reuters

Fernando Mendoza ’s remarkable season at the helm of the nation’s top-ranked team was rewarded with college football’s most coveted individual award on Saturday.

The Indiana Hoosiers quarterback won the 2025 Heisman Trophy , beating out Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, and Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia , to become the school’s first winner of the acclaimed prize.

As his name was called, an emotional Mendoza embraced his fellow finalists and his family. Holding back tears, he also hugged his IU head coach, Curt Cignetti .

“I’m at a loss of words. Thank you to everybody. First, I

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