There was something in the air tonight — the Indiana Hoosiers are national champions!
Led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Indiana eked out a close 27-21 win over the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
For the Hoosiers, winning the natty capped a Cinderella season — and one for the record books. After the team went 3-9 in 2023, coach Curt Cignetti turned around the once most-losingest team in college football history in two years.
With a 16-0 record this season, Indiana capitalized on a roster of overlooked players — including Mendoza himself, a transfer from Cal who once harbored dreams of playing for his hometown team, Miami.
“It took a lot to get here. But I’ll tell you what it took to come out ahead in this game: It took a lot of guts,” Cignetti said after the game, reports USA Today. “We won the national championship at Indiana University. It can be done.”
The full-circle moments were aplenty in Monday night’s game.
Mendoza grew up about a mile from the University of Miami, where his mother Elsa played on the tennis team. His father, Fernando Mendoza Sr., was an offensive lineman, alongside UM’s coach, Mario Cristobal, while they both attended Christopher Columbus High School in Miami.
As fans descended on Hard Rock Stadium in advance of the championship game, so too did Mendoza’s extended family.
Over the weekend, more than 100 of his relatives gathered to celebrate the moment — and the quarterback.
“I know people might be torn, and we get it,” Fernando’s backup and younger brother Alberto told ESPN before the game. “We used to go to Miami games all the time as kids. Our mom played tennis there.”
He added, “I guess if you are from Miami, then you can’t lose.”
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In an interview with PEOPLE last month, just before his Heisman win, the presumptive No. 1 pick of the 2026 NFL Draft displayed his trademark enthusiasm and his gratitude for the storybook season.
“It feels surreal,” he said about his chance to nab the trophy. “You know, I never thought I’d be here … Like, who would’ve thought? But you know, it’s great, and it’s a great honor.”
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