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Indiana's Fernando Mendoza wins Heisman after awards Saturday

PUBLISHED Dec 12, 2025, 8:51 PM ET

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Indiana's Fernando Mendoza wins Heisman after awards Saturday

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 8

Center 100%

Sources: 8

New York, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the 91st Heisman Trophy Saturday night in New York after receiving the Maxwell and Davey O'Brien awards the previous evening. The redshirt junior completed 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards and an FBS-best 33 touchdown passes this season. Teammates and family joined Mendoza in New York for ceremonies and a charity event supporting families affected by multiple sclerosis, inspired by his mother's public letter. Mendoza's selection followed widespread media coverage and betting markets that identified him as the frontrunner. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Shahbaz A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Longstanding family history: Elsa Mendoza’s multi-year battle with multiple sclerosis framed personal background.
Mendoza’s recruiting and collegiate development led him from two-star prospect to Indiana starter.
Earlier this week Mendoza read his mother’s Players' Tribune letter that circulated publicly.
Friday: Mendoza won the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien awards at ESPN’s college awards show.
Saturday: Teammates traveled to New York for events and Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Fernando Mendoza, Indiana University athletics, local businesses and multiple sclerosis-related charities received heightened attention, increased media coverage, and potential fundraising and recruiting momentum following his awards sweep and Heisman win.

Who Impacted

Competing Heisman finalists and programs that lost the award saw reduced national attention and bettors who wagered on other candidates potentially incurred financial losses.