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FERNANDOMANIA 2.0
Los Angeles Times
|January 01, 2026
Earnest Heisman winner eager to lead Indiana in the Rose Bowl
Through tears, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza thanked every member of his family after becoming the first Hoosier to win the Heisman Trophy.
The Cuban American quarterback recognized his family for believing in him throughout his career.
He was a two-star high school recruit who drew little attention before finally landing an opportunity to play at California. After three years with the Golden Bears, including a redshirt year, he transferred to Indiana. On Thursday, the No. 1 Hoosiers will take the field at the Rose Bowl, where they will face college football traditional power Alabama in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
Pressure is familiar for Mendoza. He’s faced challenges throughout his career—from proving himself as an overlooked high school athlete to earning his starting role at Cal.
Anytime Mendoza has met a hurdle, he considers how to help those around him shine.
This story is from the January 01, 2026 edition of Los Angeles Times.
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