Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza wins 2025 Maxwell Award

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has won the 2025 Robert Maxwell Award. The honor goes to the player of the year in college football.

Three finalists were up for the award, which was announced during Friday’s College Football Awards show on ESPN. Mendoza, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin were the final three candidates.

All three players earned a trip to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony as finalists for college football’s most prestigious award. In addition, they were also in the mix for the 2025 Maxwell Award.

While leading Indiana to a perfect 13-0 record – the last undefeated team standing – and the No. 1 overall seed in the College Football Playoff, Mendoza shined after transferring from Cal. He led the nation with 33 touchdown passes this year while completing 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards, to just six interceptions.

Mendoza was coming off a career year at Cal, where he shined as the Golden Bears’ quarterback. He completed 68.7% of his passes for 3,004 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore before transferring to Indiana this year.

In addition, Mendoza finished in the top four of the Heisman voting and earned a Second Team selection on the On3 2025 College Football All-America Team. He’s also generating buzz in NFL Draft circles as a potential top pick.

In ESPN’s Field Yates’ initial mock draft earlier this week, Mendoza came in as the projected No. 1 overall pick via a mock trade to the New York Jets. He has an opportunity to continue his impressive story as Indiana starts the College Football Playoff in the quarterfinals after securing a bye.

Fernando Mendoza joins a decorated group of Maxwell Award winners. Most recently, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty won it last year, and Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. brought it home in 2023. Both players became Top-10 picks in their respective NFL Drafts.

“Established in 1937, the Maxwell Award is one of the most prestigious honors in college football,” the Maxwell Award website reads. “It is presented annually to the most outstanding player in the sport, recognizing excellence on the field and exceptional contributions to the game.

“The award is named in honor of Robert ‘Tiny’ Maxwell, a distinguished sportswriter and influential figure in college football. Maxwell’s deep passion for the sport and his insightful commentary helped shape the public’s perception and appreciation of college football during his career.”