The emotion was palpable from the moment Fernando Mendoza turned toward the camera to start his postgame interview, as the celebration unfolded around him at Lucas Oil Stadium and this Indiana run — still ongoing — that he has orchestrated reached a new peak.
Mendoza, who threw for 222 yards and a touchdown during the Hoosiers’ shocking 13-10 win over Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game Saturday night in Indianapolis, made a final statement for his Heisman Trophy case, and the quarterback also ensured that Indiana likely will receive the No. 1 seed for the College Football Playoff.
“It sounds so beautiful,” Mendoza told the Fox broadcast when asked about what it sounds like for Indiana to be Big Ten champions. “Who ever thought the Hoosiers would be here, but now the Hoosiers are flippin’ champs. Let’s go.”
Fernando Mendoza celebrates after Indiana’s 13-10 win over Ohio State in the Big Ten championship on Dec. 6, 2025.
Mendoza, a Cal transfer, connected with Elijah Sarratt for a 17-yard touchdown in the third quarter to give Indiana the lead for good, and he also completed a 33-yard pass to wideout Charlie Becker on third-and-6 with 2:26 remaining to drain more time off the clock following Ohio State’s missed field goal — which would’ve tied the game.
At the Heisman ceremony next weekend, Mendoza’s outing Saturday might be enough to propel him past the other finalists.
It only will add to his stock ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, too, when he could end up being one of the top players selected — and a potential target for the Jets if they’re able to land a pick high enough to draft him.
Fernando Mendoza celebrates after Indiana’s Big Ten championship win.
“We’re going day-by-day,” Mendoza told the broadcast Saturday following the game. “Whether it’s the offensive line, the defense, the coaches, special teams, we’re all process-oriented to one goal. That’s our thing, is we’re brothers. We can drag teams into the deep end because we know that we’re gonna stick together and we have the strongest glue ever.”
Mendoza threw for 2,758 yards, 32 touchdowns and five interceptions during Indiana’s 12 regular-season games, and despite throwing an early interception in the No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown Saturday, he recovered to do enough for a 13th consecutive victory.
He also overcame an early injury scare after taking a crushing hit from Ohio State defensive end Caden Curry on the first snap of the game and missing the next play before returning.
Fernando Mendoza looks to throw during Indiana’s Dec. 6 win against Ohio State.
One year after winning just six games with a mediocre Cal team in a mediocre Atlantic Coast Conference, Mendoza will be the face of the top team in the postseason.
And he delivered a postgame interview that captured how much this latest stretch has meant to him, too.
News
Pittsburgh Steelers Announce Major Changes to Acrisure Stadium Ahead of 2026 Season — Team Responds After Fans Said a New Feature Felt “Overwhelming,” Promising Adjustments to Improve the Game-Day Experience and Restore Comfort for Supporters.
THE Pittsburgh Steelers are announcing major changes to Acrisure Stadium. Significant changes are being made to the Steelers‘ stadium for 2026…
Kayla Simmons is turning heads once again after sharing a bold beachside look that quickly set social media buzzing. Dubbed by fans as one of the most eye-catching figures in volleyball, Simmons posted a series of photos in a minimal white bikini — and reactions poured in almost instantly. From “mesmerising” to “unreal,” followers didn’t hold back as the post racked up engagement. Known for blending her athletic background with a strong online presence, Simmons continues to build a brand that goes far beyond the court. While the photos grabbed attention, it’s the consistency of her influence that stands out most. And one detail in the post is what fans keep coming back to. It might explain why she continues to dominate the spotlight.
KAYLA SIMMONS has bared her bum in a tiny bikini leaving her fans stunned on social media. The world’s sexiest…
A stunning reversal has caught fans off guard as a Pittsburgh Steelers star has already walked back his retirement — just weeks after stepping away from the game. What initially seemed like a definitive goodbye is now looking more like a pause, with the player signaling a return that’s raising eyebrows across the National Football League. Retirement decisions in the NFL are rarely simple, often shaped by physical demands, personal factors, and unfinished business — and this situation appears to be no different. Fans are split between excitement and confusion, trying to understand what changed so quickly behind the scenes. Teammates and insiders are also reacting, with speculation building about what this means for the Steelers moving forward. But one detail about the timeline of his decision is what’s drawing the most attention. And it could reveal why this U-turn happened so fast.
A FORMER PITTSBURGH STEELERS star has announced his decision to return to the NFL just weeks after hanging up the…
Life off the field is taking center stage for Dak Prescott as he and ex-fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos navigate a complicated custody situation following their high-profile breakup. After what many described as a messy split, both sides are now reportedly focused on finding a stable path forward — putting co-parenting and long-term priorities ahead of past tensions. For Prescott, the situation adds a deeply personal layer to an already demanding career with the Dallas Cowboys, where pressure never really lets up. Sources suggest efforts are being made to keep matters as private and constructive as possible, even as public interest continues to grow. Fans have been watching closely, with reactions ranging from support to curiosity about how things will unfold. But one key approach both sides are taking is what’s drawing the most attention. And it could define how this situation evolves moving forward.
Dak Prescott and ex-fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos are taking steps to amicably come to terms on a temporary custody arrangement…
Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld Announce Birth of First Child — The Buffalo Bills Star and Hollywood Actress Share Joyful News, Marking a New Chapter as They Welcome Their Baby Into the World.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen and his wife, actress Hailee Steinfeld, are officially a family of three. The couple announced Thursday…
A powerful full-circle moment is unfolding for an NFL player whose actions off the field once made headlines for all the right reasons. After bravely pulling a man from a burning car and saving his life, the National Football League star is now being handed a career lifeline of his own — a second chance that’s capturing attention across the football world. At the time, his heroic act drew widespread praise, showing a side of athletes fans don’t always get to see. Now, as he looks to revive his career, that moment is being remembered as more than just a headline — but a reflection of character. Teams are always weighing talent against intangibles, and stories like this can carry real weight. As news spreads, support is pouring in from fans and insiders alike. But one key detail about this opportunity is what’s standing out most. And it could determine whether this comeback truly takes hold.
KJ OSBORN has reportedly agreed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans. The wide receiver, 28, has not played in…
End of content
No more pages to load
