The Indiana football quarterback was named the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner on Saturday in New York City. He beat out Vanderbilt and Ohio State quarterbacks Diego Pavia and Julian Sayin, respectively, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love for the annual award given to college football’s best player.
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Mendoza received 2,392 votes from Heisman Trophy voters, including 643 first-place votes.
REQUIRED READING: Who won the Heisman Trophy in 2025? Voting results, list of award winners
There hasn’t been an Indiana player to win the Heisman Trophy before Mendoza, making Saturday’s awards ceremony inside Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room another “first” as Mendoza has led the program during his first season in Bloomington.
Heading into the College Football Playoff, Mendoza leads Division I FBS quarterbacks with 33 touchdown passes, two more than Sayin and Baylor and North Texas quarterbacks Sawyer Robertson and Drew Mestemaker, respectively.
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After accepting his Heisman Trophy on stage, Mendoza gave a rather moving and emotional acceptance speech, with several mentions of his family, including his mother Elsa, who battles multiple sclerosis.
“Mommy, this is your trophy as much as mine. You have always been my biggest fan. You are my light. You are my why. You are my greatest support. Your sacrifice, courage and love have been my first playbook and the playbook I will carry by my side throughout my life,” Mendoza said. “You taught me that toughness doesn’t need to be loud. It can be quiet and strong. It’s choosing hope. It’s believing in yourself when the world doesn’t give you much reason to do so.
“Together, you and I are rewinding what people think is possible. I love you.”
Mendoza also thanked his grandparents in Spanish, saying: “And for my grandparents: For the love and sacrifice of my parents and grandparents, I love you very much. With all my heart, with all my thanks.” (For the love and sacrifice of my parents and grandparents, I love you. With all my heart, thank you.)
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Fernando Mendoza Heisman Trophy Speech
Here’s a look at Mendoza’s Heisman Trophy speech:
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This article originally appeared in USA TODAY: Fernando Mendoza Heisman speech: Indiana QB gives moving speech