Fernando Mendoza isn't focused on winning the Heisman for himself, but for Indiana

For Fernando Mendoza, it’s never been about himself. Whenever you hear him speak to anyone — whether that be the media, on television or during an interview after a game — Indiana’s quarterback is constantly praising his teammates.

But when he’s not praising his teammates, he’s voicing his gratitude for what Indiana and its football program mean to him.

“Bloomington, it means so much for my family, it means so much to the team,” Mendoza told reporters on Tuesday.

This came after he was named a finalist for the 2025 Heisman Trophy, an award that he’s projected to win when it’s announced on Saturday at 8 p.m. on ABC. But Mendoza isn’t focused on the individual award. He understands just how much it would mean for the program and the university to have a Heisman Trophy winner.

Indiana has only had a finalist once back in 1989, where running back Anthony Thompson finished second. No Hoosier has ever won the award, which would make it just that much more special for IU to check off another box of college football history during this historic 2025 season.

“I know that going to this ceremony means so much for everybody here. Bloomington, it means so much for my family, it means so much to the team. Especially having the opportunity to hopefully bring home the first Heisman in Indiana history, it means so much to so many people,” Mendoza said.

It’s hard to find a week during the season when the Hoosiers’ quarterback didn’t mention Indiana’s coaching staff, roster or overall environment, but following a 13-0 season, the week before the Heisman ceremony presented an even more perfect opportunity to express what IU has done for him.

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Because of the Heisman Trophy, Mendoza can personally give back to the community that welcomed him with open arms. For Mendoza, family and a sense of community mean everything, and a transfer to IU after two seasons at Cal could have been a tough adjustment.

But the transition to Bloomington was almost perfectly seamless. With Fernando’s brother, Alberto, already on Indiana’s roster, it didn’t take long for him to become acclimated on and off the field.

“And with all the challenges, there’s always an opportunity. And I think the great opportunity that presented itself was to join my brother here. Not only to learn and grow with him, but then also make it an easy stop for my parents,” Mendoza said.

With Alberto by his side, Mendoza’s decision was relatively easy, but it was a coming together as a family. And at the center of the family, Fernando and Alberto’s mom, Elsa, has been the “inspiration” for the Mendozas throughout their career.

In her Players’ Tribune story titled “Dear Fernando,” she said, “In talking to Alberto about his development at IU, you became convinced that playing for Coach Cignetti and his staff was the right path forward.”

Indiana was the place for Mendoza to thrive, and it led him to New York City as a Heisman Trophy finalist — but more importantly, a 13-0 record, a Big Ten championship and a shot at a national title.

Mendoza’s 2,980 yards and 33 touchdowns don’t mean anything to him, but what he’s accomplished for Indiana means the world. He’s the ultimate team player, and even though he’s up for the highest individual award in college football, Mendoza is adamant that it’s truly a team achievement.

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“I think it also just speaks to how much it would mean to the team. Not just myself, not just for me — it would mean so much for everybody around this place. And I know Fish and all the other guys doing media, it would mean a lot for them as well,” Mendoza said.

“As without Aiden Fisher making tackles on defense, without the special teams playing lights out, or without the offensive linemen or receivers also playing lights out, none of this would have happened.”

At 8 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, the winner of the 2025 award will be announced, and the expectation is that Mendoza will take home the hardware.

But he doesn’t plan on taking it back home to Miami or wherever he’s going to be playing in the NFL next year. Mendoza believes the trophy deserves to stay in Bloomington, because without IU, his teammates and his coaches, winning the Heisman would have never been possible.

“If I were to win the award, I would keep it in Bloomington because it belongs there,” Mendoza said during his media session Friday afternoon ahead of the Heisman ceremony in New York.

“I think it means so much to the fan base who stuck through the thick and thin now to the Cignetti era, and really just have it there for my teammates, the Hoosier community and the alumni.”

Mendoza’s on-field performance speaks for itself, but what makes him worthy of winning the Heisman Trophy might be how important he is to Indiana off the field. His leadership, humility and drive to make his teammates and himself better have all contributed to the Hoosiers’ 13-0 record and historic season.

Without their quarterback, who knows how Indiana’s season would have panned out? But luckily for Hoosier Nation, they don’t have to wonder about that, as Mendoza’s legacy will live on in Bloomington forever.

He has a chance to add another piece of history to his résumé on Saturday night, but if you asked Mendoza, it’s not about him. It’s about Indiana.

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