UPDATE: In a groundbreaking moment for college football, Fernando Mendoza, the dynamic quarterback of No. 1 Indiana, has just won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, making history as the first Hoosier to achieve this prestigious honor since the award’s inception in 1935.
Mendoza secured an impressive 2,362 first-place votes, decisively beating out Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia with 1,435 votes, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love at 719 votes, and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin with 432 votes. This monumental win underscores Mendoza’s pivotal role in guiding the Hoosiers to their first-ever No. 1 ranking and the top seed in the upcoming College Football Playoff.
With an astounding 2,980 passing yards and a national-best 33 touchdown passes, along with six rushing touchdowns, Mendoza has been instrumental in Indiana’s remarkable season. The Hoosiers, currently the last unbeaten team in major college football, are set to compete in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2024.
In his first year as a starter after transferring from California, Mendoza has shattered program records for touchdowns and points, further solidifying his place in Indiana football history. He is also the second Heisman finalist from the school, following 1989 runner-up Anthony Thompson. This year marks another first for Indiana, having consecutive players in the top 10 of the Heisman voting, following Kurtis Rourke, who finished ninth last year.
This season has seen quarterbacks dominate the Heisman race, with four out of the last five winners being signal-callers. Mendoza’s accolades continue to mount; he was named The Associated Press Player of the Year earlier this week and claimed both the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien awards just days before his Heisman triumph.
“This is a testament to all the hard work put in by everyone in our program,” Mendoza stated during the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt made history as the first Heisman finalist from the university, throwing for a school-record 3,192 yards and 27 touchdowns. He led the Commodores to a historic 10-win season, including six victories against SEC opponents. Pavia’s journey from being unrecruited to a junior college, then New Mexico State, and finally Vanderbilt is a testament to his resilience and determination.
As for Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame, he showcased an exceptional season, ranking fourth in the Bowl Subdivision with 1,372 rushing yards and third with 18 rushing touchdowns. Despite Notre Dame missing out on a CFP bid, Love’s dynamic playmaking ability has made him a standout in this year’s Heisman conversation.
Lastly, Julian Sayin led Ohio State to a dominant season, throwing for 3,329 yards and tying for second in the nation with 31 touchdown passes. As the Buckeyes prepare for their CFP quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl on December 31, Sayin’s remarkable consistency has been pivotal in maintaining the team’s top ranking for most of the season.
With Mendoza’s historic win, college football fans are buzzing with excitement about the upcoming playoffs. The stage is set for high-stakes matchups, and all eyes will be on Indiana as they aim for victory in the Rose Bowl.
