#fernando-mendoza

#fernando-mendoza

Fernando Mendoza was a given for the top spot after winning the Heisman Trophy and ending his college career with a national championship title in what was a historic season for Indiana. Texas' Arch Manning had a slow start but picked things up as the season went on, but was his ranking justified? When looking at the rest of the list, who could've been ranked higher? Were there any players who should've made the list but didn't?

all year, hitting him ferociously at every opportunity, sometimes right on the line of legality, if not past it. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti complained to ESPN's Holly Rowe about uncalled personal fouls against Miami, and he wasn't wrong, especially with regards to Jakobe Thomas's potential targeting hit on Mendoza in the first quarter; the Miami-raised QB was bleeding from the lip after Thomas's helmet smashed into his face, but, as was the case most of the night, the flags stayed in the referees' pockets.

Aside from tonight's Rams-Falcons game, Week 17 is in the books. Most of the playoff field has been set in both conferences, but there is still plenty to be determined regarding the first-round draft order. By virtue of their loss on Sunday, the Raiders are now in pole position to secure the No. 1 pick. Vegas sits at 2-14 on the year, with four teams sporting a record of 3-13.

Dec 15, 2025, 12:11 PM ET Four players from Ohio State Buckeyes are among 10 first-team picks from the Big Ten on the Associated Press All-America team released Monday, a group headed by repeat selection Caleb Downs of the Buckeyes and AP Player of the Year Fernando Mendoza of Indiana Hoosiers. The AP has named an All-America team every year since 1925, and Notre Dame's two first-team picks this season increased its all-time lead to 87.

As a competitor, just like in everything I do I wanted to win. To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful. I didn't handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to. I have much love and respect for the Heisman voters and the selection process, and I apologize for being disrespectful. It was a mistake, and I am sorry.

Heisman Trophy favorite Fernando Mendoza was a redshirt freshman and Cal's third-string quarterback at the start of the 2023 season when he walked into the office of tight ends coach Tim Plough. Would you be willing to meet with me? Mendoza asked. Would you be willing to teach me the offense and talk to me about quarterback play, go through the game plan with me?