...
By Matt Audilet
Contributing Sports Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana Hoosiers notched a victory over the Miami Hurricanes on Monday night, completing the program's 16-0 season and claiming the first national championship title in school history.
Mendoza was stellar for Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers in what was likely his final college football campaign, completing 72% of his pass attempts for 3.535 yards and a Big Ten-leading 41 touchdowns. He also rushed for 276 yards and seven touchdowns, including an iconic 4th-down score in the fourth quarter of Monday's national title game.
Mendoza is expected to enter the 2026 NFL draft, where he'll be a top pick in the selection process.
Read More on NCAA
Earlier this month, Cignetti and the Hoosiers landed Mendoza's replacement — former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover.
More Football: Lane Kiffin Takes Issue With Analyst’s Comment About Curt Cignetti
Hoover, a three-year starter for the Horned Frogs, has big expectations laid out in front of him heading into the Hoosiers' title-defense season in 2026.
Hoover ranks third in 2026 Heisman Trophy odds, according to the most recent odds from FanDuel. At +1100, he trails only Texas' Arch Manning (+800) and Notre Dame's CJ Carr (+800).
If Hoover were to claim the 2026 Heisman Trophy, Indiana would become just the seventh program in college football history to produce back-to-back winners of the prestigious award. Only Yale (1937-38), Army (1945-46), Ohio State (1974-75), USC (2004-05), Oklahoma (2017-18) and Alabama (2020-21) have accomplished the feat thus far.
...
More Football: Curt Cignetti Loses Key Coach to SEC Program After Indiana’s Title Run
When Mendoza was named the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner at this year's ceremony, he became the first winner in Indiana's program history. Now, the school has a real shot to produce its second winner in consecutive years.
Indiana is expected to enter the 2026 season as the nation's No. 1 ranked team. And if Cignetti and the Hoosiers keep up the pace, another Heisman Trophy and another national championship title could be on the horizon.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines