Fernando Mendoza game-winning drive: Inside Indiana QB’s possible ‘Heisman moment’ against Penn State

No. 2 Indiana had its undefeated record on the line, trailing Penn State 24-20 with less than two minutes remaining and no timeouts. Heisman hopeful Fernando Mendoza and the Hoosiers’ offense had struggled throughout the day against a Nittany Lions team as motivated as any since head coach James Franklin was fired.

For the third time this season in a hostile environment, Mendoza led the Hoosiers on a game-winning drive, throwing to Omar Cooper Jr. With 36 seconds left to take the lead and prevail in Happy Valley, 27-24.

Indiana remained undefeated at 10-0 overall and 7-0 in the Big Ten. Mendoza added another chapter to his incredible season, and the final drive could become his “Heisman moment” if he wins the trophy in December.

MORE: Inside the game-winning grab that saved Indiana’s perfect season

Fernado Mendoza game-winning drive

The Hoosiers entered the fourth quarter up 20-10, but after giving up 14 unanswered points, they found themselves trailing Penn State 24-20 with less than two minutes remaining and no timeouts. The drive began with Mendoza getting sacked, and all momentum seemed to be on Penn State’s side.

On the next play, Mendoza hit Omar Cooper Jr. Down the middle of the field for 22 yards. He then connected with three more receivers — E.J. Williams Jr. For 12 yards, Riley Nowakowski for 29, and Charlie Becker for 17 — on chunk plays that moved Indiana into the red zone.

Fernando Mendoza is absolutely QB1 in this draft. Fantastic drive and some unbelievable NFL throws. This kid is legit…#Browns #DawgPoundpic.twitter.com/kpitcJ5BbW

— King♕ (@Browns_Watcher) November 8, 2025

The Heisman candidate went 5-for-7 to lead Indiana on a 10-play, 73-yard drive that spanned 1:15, making several big throws. The final play came on 3rd-and-goal, when he hit Omar Cooper Jr. In the back of the end zone, and the receiver came down with an incredible catch.

INDIANA TAKES THE LEAD WITH 36 SECONDS LEFT 💥💥 @IndianaFootball

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/zxaJYUDUoA

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 8, 2025

It was Mendoza’s first touchdown pass of the day and the third time this season that Indiana led a go-ahead drive in the fourth quarter on the road. The Hoosiers have now won at Kinnick Stadium, Autzen Stadium, and Beaver Stadium, with the offense orchestrating long drives to take the lead.

MORE: No. 2 Indiana survives Penn State in Happy Valley 27-24

Fernado Mendoza Heisman odds

According to FanDuel SportsBook, Mendoza is the favorite to win the Heisman at +140.

His HEISMENDOZA moment 🏆👀

Relive @indianafootball's game-winning drive lead by Fernando Mendoza 🔥 pic.twitter.com/StuhB4724R

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 8, 2025

Right behind him are Ohio State's Julian Sayin and Alabama's Ty Simpson. 

MORE: NFL evaluators tab Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza as top 2026 draft prospect

Fernando Mendoza stats vs Penn state

After struggling against a juiced-up Penn State defense, Mendoza ultimately led the game-winning drive to keep Indiana undefeated.

Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman speech would be epic: 😭 pic.twitter.com/d4Y01pjzIe

— College Sports Only (@CSOonX) November 8, 2025

He finished the day completing 19-of-30 passes for 218 yards, a touchdown and an interception, while adding 20 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

MORE: Where does Curt Cignetti rank among sports’ highest-paid coaches?

Fernando Mendoza season stats

Mendoza continues to show why he is one of the best players in America, and today, he delivered a Heisman moment.