In a move that perfectly encapsulates his unique persona, Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza has announced his crowning as the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner not through a traditional press conference, but via a professional networking site.
A Trophy Announcement on Brand
The 22-year-old business administration major, who was accepted at Yale, took to LinkedIn to share the monumental news. Mendoza described himself as 'incredibly honored' to receive the award, which recognises the most outstanding player in American college football.
His post, addressed to the Heisman Trophy Trust, voters, and past winners, was a masterclass in humble professionalism. 'I accept this honor with humility, gratitude, and a deep sense of responsibility,' Mendoza wrote. He credited his family, coaches, and teammates from his time at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, the University of California, Berkeley, and now Indiana University Bloomington.
From Miami to the Rose Bowl: A Star's Journey
Mendoza reflected on his path, stating he was 'once just a kid in Miami chasing a dream.' His journey has been remarkable. After transferring from Cal, he has become the catalyst for a historic turnaround for Indiana football. The Hoosiers had not won a Big Ten title since 1967 and were winless against Ohio State since 1988 until their stunning upset on December 7 in the conference championship game.
Now, under coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers are in the College Football Playoff for a second consecutive season, with Mendoza leading the charge to the Rose Bowl.
By the Numbers: A Dominant Season
The quarterback's on-field performance justified the Heisman hype. Mendoza passed for 2,980 yards and a nation-leading 33 touchdown passes this season, adding six more scores on the ground. His Heisman victory was decisive; he appeared on 95.16% of ballots, received 84.6% of possible points (the seventh-highest mark ever), and secured 643 first-place votes.
His combination of elite athletic performance and academic prowess has many experts pegging him as a potential first-overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Embracing the 'Nerd' Label
The viral LinkedIn post did not surprise fans familiar with Mendoza's relentlessly positive and intellectually curious character. One supporter noted he would be 'elite at board meetings,' while another joked about his pursuit of a commercial real estate internship.
Mendoza himself embraces the 'nerd' label. He told 60 Minutes that while it was once considered a negative term, he now sees it as a positive. 'If being a nerd is always learning and always searching for new information, then I'm all about it, whether it's in the classroom or on the football field,' he stated.
As he concluded his groundbreaking LinkedIn announcement, Mendoza made it clear this is merely a chapter, not the conclusion. 'This journey is far from finished,' he wrote, 'and I am proud to continue representing Indiana University Bloomington as we prepare for the College Football Playoff. On to the Rose Bowl!'
