Ohio State's Julian Sayin and Indiana's Fernando Mendoza entered Saturday's Big Ten championship as two of the top quarterbacks in the country. Facing the top two scoring defenses in America, neither Mendoza nor Sayin lit up the scoreboard. But Mendoza got the most important stat: a win to cap a 13-0 season, making Indiana football history.
On Saturday night, Mendoza went 15-of-23 for 222 yards, a touchdown, and an interception as Indiana won the Big Ten championship, 13-10. Though he threw an interception in the first quarter, Mendoza improved as the game went on against the nation's No. 1 defense. The quarterback, now the clear Heisman favorite, has become a legend in Bloomington, accomplishing feats no other Indiana player ever has.
Next up is a trip to New York for the Hoosiers’ signal-caller before No. 1 Indiana plays in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff.
Here’s where Mendoza got the best of Sayin, as the Hoosiers capped off a historic win.
MORE: How Indiana stunned Ohio State to win first Big Ten title since the 1960s
Julian Sayin vs. Fernando Mendoza Big Ten Championship Game stats
Saturday's matchup was between two undefeated teams and two Heisman contenders. After the win, Mendoza sits in the driver seat for the trophy.
Fernando Mendoza stats vs. Ohio State
- Completions: 15
- Attempts: 23
- Completion percentage: 65.2%
- Passing yards: 222
- Passing TDs: 1
- Interceptions: 1
- Rushing yards: -3
- Rushing TDs: 0
Mendoza threw an early interception, getting picked off by Davison Igbhinosun on a screen pass.
Another INT!
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 7, 2025
This time, it's @OhioStateFB's Davison Igbinosun off the deflection.
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/7D2xFLs9vZ
The Indiana offense struggled in the first half, scoring only six points. But, in the second half, Mendoza showed why he is the Heisman favorite, leading the Hoosiers offense against the nation's No. 1 scoring defense.
His throw to Elijah Sarratt gave Indiana a 13-10 lead, and the score stayed that way.
No. 2 @IndianaFootball retakes the lead 👀
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 7, 2025
Fernando Mendoza hits Elijah Sarratt to give the Hoosiers their first TD of the night.
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/wy92oihiws
Mendoza has made Indiana history, and he's not done yet.
MORE: Ohio State kicker Jayden Fielding lived a nightmare during Big Ten title game
Julian Sayin stats vs. Indiana
- Completions: 21
- Attempts: 29
- Completion percentage: 72.4%
- Passing yards: 258
- Passing TDs: 1
- Interceptions: 1
- Rushing yards: -29
- Rushing TDs: 0
For the second straight week, Sayin threw an interception on the first drive.
INT, Indiana!
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 7, 2025
Louis Moore's sixth pick of the season gives No. 2 @IndianaFootball the ball in No. 1 Ohio State territory.
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/IM5cRsgkH4
Though, just like last week against Michigan, he bounced back. Sayin had the only touchdown of the first half, connecting with Carnell Tate in the end zone for a score.
TATER‼️
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 7, 2025
Julian Sayin extends the play with his feet and finds Carnell Tate for the first TD of the game.
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/IX9cBcMFhR
Ohio State had the chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter inside the 20, but Jayden Fielding missed a field goal wide left.
Even with the loss, the quarterback has a chance to be a Heisman finalist. He finishes the season leading college football in completion percentage and quarterback rating.
MORE: Fernando Mendoza briefly shaken up during Big Ten title game
Julian Sayin vs. Fernando Mendoza season stats
Sayin and Mendoza were two of the best quarterbacks in college football this season, and it was Mendoza who got the upper hand on Saturday night. Here are both of their stats after the Big Ten Championship.
| Category | Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) | Julian Sayin (Ohio State) |
| Games Played | 13 | 13 |
| Completion Percentage | 71.4% | 78.4%* |
| Passing Yards | 2,980 | 3,323 |
| Passing TDs | 33* | 31 |
| Interceptions (INTs) | 6 | 6 |
| QB Rating/Efficiency | 183.13 | 183.92* |
| Rushing Yards | 240 | -2 |
| Rushing TDs | 6 | 0 |
*leads FBS
Heisman Trophy odds
After tonight's win, Mendoza is in position to make Indiana program history. He is the favorite to win the Heisman on December 13, and it's not even close.
According to DraftKings, Mendoza is currently -1200 to win the Heisman.
MORE: What BYU's loss means for the CFP bracket
LOOK WHAT IT MEANS TO FERNANDO MENDOZA
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 7, 2025
HEISMAN?!
Pic.twitter.com/Mulb1hKXsd
When is the Heisman Trophy awarded?
The Heisman Trophy ceremony will be awarded in New York City on Dec. 13.
The ceremony will be at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
MORE: Nervous moments ahead for Notre Dame, Miami, Alabama
Has an Indiana player ever won the Heisman Trophy?
Indiana has never had a Heisman winner in program history. The closest was running back Anthony Thompson, who finished as the runner-up in 1989.
Mendoza entered conference championship weekend as the favorite to win the Heisman, and after tonight's result has almost certainly secured it.
For the first time ever, Indiana has went undefeated and won the Big Ten Championship, and will be the No. 1 seed come Sunday's College Football Playoff rankings. Mendoza, who always credits his team for these moments, was smiling ear-to-ear after the win.
Now, he'll have his individual moment in New York when he lifts the Heisman trophy.