OAN Staff Sophia Flores
6:49 PM –Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Through his unwavering faith, quarterback Fernando Mendoza has led the Indiana University Hoosiers to their first college football national championship title.
On Monday, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, with President Donald Trump sitting in attendance, Mendoza and the Hoosiers beat Carson Beck and the Hurricanes in a final score of 27-21.
Mendoza’s late-game heroics, highlighted by a fourth-down touchdown run from the Miami 12-yard line, proved to be the decisive play in sealing Indiana’s victory.
After the thrilling matchup, in a postgame interview, Mendoza emphasized that through it all, he gives “all of the glory and thanks to God.”
Mendoza is outspoken about his Catholic faith, attending Mass weekly and praying before every game. At a press conference on Saturday, the 22-year-old athlete emphasized that his success is a collective effort, crediting God and those at the St. Paul Catholic Center in Bloomington, Indiana, as part of his team.
“I’m a Catholic man,” Mendonza told reporters. “And they’ve done so much to help me, whether it’s confession or just [being] able to talk or just Mass every Sunday.”
In a poignant Heisman acceptance speech, Mendoza offered praise to God for “the opportunity to chase a dream that once felt the world away.” Accepting the trophy with humility, the young quarterback pledged to uphold the prestigious legacy and responsibility that comes with the honor.
The speech was particularly emotional as Mendoza acknowledged his family in the crowd, noting the sacrifices they made during his transition from an overlooked recruit to a national champion.
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