Fernando Mendoza's Perfect Season Ends with National Title Win Over Miami
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza became the 10th player to win the Heisman Trophy and national title in the same season, capping off an improbable journey from being a two-star recruit to leading his team to their first-ever national championship.
The Hoosiers defeated Miami 27-21, completing a perfect 16-0 season that saw them dominate top-ranked Alabama and Oregon en route to the College Football Playoff (CFP) title game. However, it was Mendoza who shone brightest under pressure on Monday night, leading his team with poise and determination despite being sacked three times and struggling in the second half.
Mendoza's performance came after a tumultuous offseason, which saw him transfer from Cal to Indiana on coach Curt Cignetti's promise of playing time. The decision seemed to pay off as Mendoza led the Hoosiers to an 11-1 regular season record and won his first-ever CFP game against Alabama.
But it was in the national title game that Mendoza truly cemented his status as one of the best quarterbacks in the country. With just over five minutes remaining, he took a crucial fourth-and-five conversion on the Miami 18-yard line, leading to a touchdown run that gave Indiana a 24-14 lead. The Hoosiers held on for a thrilling 27-21 victory, thanks largely to Mendoza's clutch plays and the stifling defense.
The win marked a stunning turnaround for Indiana, which had lost its last three games of the regular season and was considered an also-ran just a year ago under coach Tom Allen. Cignetti's arrival in December 2023 brought much-needed stability and direction to the program, as he sold players on his vision of winning with passion and intensity.
Mendoza's poise and leadership were evident throughout the game, as he referenced being a two-star recruit who had been overlooked by Miami, where he attended games as a kid. "There's no words," Mendoza said in a post-game interview, his voice filled with emotion. "This is the most special moment of my life."
As for Cignetti, the 62-year-old coach held up the CFP trophy on Monday night, surrounded by thousands of IU fans at Hard Rock Stadium who sang along to Queen's "We Are The Champions." When asked about his journey to becoming a head coach, Cignetti said, "It's pretty simple – I win. Google me."
The Hoosiers' improbable title win caps off an unforgettable season for Indiana football, one that will be remembered for years to come as a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and leadership under coach Curt Cignetti.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza became the 10th player to win the Heisman Trophy and national title in the same season, capping off an improbable journey from being a two-star recruit to leading his team to their first-ever national championship.
The Hoosiers defeated Miami 27-21, completing a perfect 16-0 season that saw them dominate top-ranked Alabama and Oregon en route to the College Football Playoff (CFP) title game. However, it was Mendoza who shone brightest under pressure on Monday night, leading his team with poise and determination despite being sacked three times and struggling in the second half.
Mendoza's performance came after a tumultuous offseason, which saw him transfer from Cal to Indiana on coach Curt Cignetti's promise of playing time. The decision seemed to pay off as Mendoza led the Hoosiers to an 11-1 regular season record and won his first-ever CFP game against Alabama.
But it was in the national title game that Mendoza truly cemented his status as one of the best quarterbacks in the country. With just over five minutes remaining, he took a crucial fourth-and-five conversion on the Miami 18-yard line, leading to a touchdown run that gave Indiana a 24-14 lead. The Hoosiers held on for a thrilling 27-21 victory, thanks largely to Mendoza's clutch plays and the stifling defense.
The win marked a stunning turnaround for Indiana, which had lost its last three games of the regular season and was considered an also-ran just a year ago under coach Tom Allen. Cignetti's arrival in December 2023 brought much-needed stability and direction to the program, as he sold players on his vision of winning with passion and intensity.
Mendoza's poise and leadership were evident throughout the game, as he referenced being a two-star recruit who had been overlooked by Miami, where he attended games as a kid. "There's no words," Mendoza said in a post-game interview, his voice filled with emotion. "This is the most special moment of my life."
As for Cignetti, the 62-year-old coach held up the CFP trophy on Monday night, surrounded by thousands of IU fans at Hard Rock Stadium who sang along to Queen's "We Are The Champions." When asked about his journey to becoming a head coach, Cignetti said, "It's pretty simple – I win. Google me."
The Hoosiers' improbable title win caps off an unforgettable season for Indiana football, one that will be remembered for years to come as a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and leadership under coach Curt Cignetti.
! he's literally a legend on the field 
! i'm not surprised tho, the guy was unstoppable all season long 
. love how cignetti brought stability to the team and helped the players believe in themselves - it's amazing what a little faith can do 
. and that miami game? 
who would've thought indiana would come out on top against the undefeated team 
! this is def going to be one of those moments where u r like "i was there, i saw it happen" 
Mendoza's stats are insane! 4,232 passing yards, 41 TDs, 7 INTs this season 
. He's averaging 292 yards per game, which is crazy for a QB who's taken some sacks 
. And did you see his completion percentage? 73% 
.
congrats to Fernando Mendoza on his amazing season!!! 10th player to win Heisman & national title in same season? mind blown 
he went from being a 2-star recruit to leading his team to their FIRST EVER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 
what an incredible journey! I'm so hyped for him and the whole Indiana team 
Cignetti's arrival was like a shot of energy to the program and it paid off BIG TIME 
that fourth-and-five conversion was MIND-BOGGLING 
, taking over games when it matters most 
.
, and it paid off big time. What a season for Indiana football! 
.
, and it's all thanks to Mendoza and Cignetti's leadership 
. Go Hoosiers! 
. I mean, Cignetti came in mid-season and made a big impact, but can we give Mendoza the credit for being a game-changer? 
. His clutch plays were insane!!! And Cignetti's post-game speech "I win" 
and that clutch fourth-and-five conversion on the miami 18-yard line was pure magic 
i love how coach cignetti brought stability and direction to the program, it's clear he made all the right moves 
mendoza's leadership and poise under pressure were evident throughout the game, what a player 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to win with a two-star recruit leading the charge? 
. Still, gotta give credit where credit is due, these Hoosiers played some clutch football and Mendoza made some incredible plays under pressure 
. And can we talk about the clutch play on 4th down when he took it all the way to the end zone?