Fernando Mendoza won't keep the Heisman Trophy if he wins

Jeff Hauser

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Fernando Mendoza won't keep the Heisman Trophy if he wins image

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza may take college football’s biggest individual honor in New York this weekend, but if he brings the Heisman Trophy home, it won’t stay with him.

Mendoza said he would leave the trophy in Bloomington, a gesture he believes reflects what the award would mean to the program and its supporters.

“It would mean the world because this would be the first time the trophy would be in Bloomington,” Mendoza said. “If I were to win the award, I would want to keep the trophy in Bloomington because it belongs there.”

The Cal transfer has put together one of the most remarkable seasons in Indiana history, leading the Hoosiers to a 13-0 record, a win over Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game and the No. 1 overall seed in the College Football Playoff.

Mendoza, already the program’s first Davey O’Brien Award winner, set a school record and led the FBS with 33 touchdown passes. He completed 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards with just six interceptions while guiding Indiana to its first undefeated season and top CFP seed.

Mendoza went on to credit the Hoosier fan base, teammates and alumni for the program’s rise under first-year coach Curt Cignetti.

“Really just to have it there for my teammates, the Hoosier community and all the alumni,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza waits to hear his name after finishing in the top four of the Heisman voting. He caps off a season that has already reshaped Indiana football history.

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Editorial Team