Reveals Indiana’s First National Title Moment

At a Glance

• Indiana Hoosiers win 27-21 over Miami in the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 19, 2026.
• 22-year-old quarterback Fernando Mendoza embraces his mom, Elsa, who has lived with multiple sclerosis for nearly twenty years.
• The victory caps a perfect 16-0 season, the first national championship in program history.
• Why it matters: The win marks a dramatic turnaround from a 3-9 record in 2023 and showcases a family’s resilience amid health challenges.

Fernando Mendoza celebrated a historic triumph for the Indiana Hoosiers, and the moment on the field was as emotional as it was historic. After a 27-21 victory over the Miami Hurricanes, the 22-year-old quarterback shared a heartfelt embrace with his mother, Elsa, who uses a wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis. The win also ended a 16-0 season, the first in the program’s history.

The Moment on the Field

The championship game concluded on Monday, January 19, 2026, with Indiana defeating Miami 27-21. After the final whistle, Mendoza, who had led the team through a Cinderella season, turned to his family on the sidelines. He leaned in to speak with his mother, Elsa, and then hugged her tightly, a gesture that was captured by cameras and shared on social media. The scene was later described by Elsa as “overwhelming” and “like a numbness,” underscoring how rare and meaningful the moment was for both.

Key Highlights

• Score: 27-21 in favor of Indiana
• Mendoza’s age: 22
• Mendoza’s position: Quarterback
• Mendoza’s mother’s condition: Multiple sclerosis, wheelchair user

Family and Health

Elsa Mendoza, who has lived with multiple sclerosis for nearly two decades, was present on the field during the celebration. She spoke to The Sporting Tribune after the game, explaining how her son’s win felt “so special because I know how bad he wanted it and how hard he worked to get here.” She added, “That hug means the world.”

Fernando shared that his mother is his “reason ‘why'” and that her unwavering optimism helps him navigate each day. He works with the National MS Society on her behalf, highlighting the intersection of personal health struggles and professional achievements.

Coach’s Reflection

Coach Curt Cignetti, who turned the program from a 3-9 record in 2023 to a national champion in two years, spoke to USA Today after the game. He said, “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 emphasized that the victory proved that “it can be done” for the university.

Coach’s Key Points

• Transformation from worst-recorded team to champions
• Emphasis on “guts” and perseverance
• Validation of program’s potential

Mendoza’s Journey

Before the championship, Mendoza had already earned the Heisman Trophy in 2025. In a separate interview with News Of Los Angeles, he described his post-game emotions after the Big 10 championship win against Ohio State, saying, “It was just genuine raw motion.” He later reflected on the viral post-game interview, joking, “Maybe it was a little too much.”

Mendoza’s path to the title involved working with his mother’s advocacy and balancing the pressures of college football. He shared that seeing his mother’s inspiration kept him grounded during the season.

Timeline of Key Seasons

Key Takeaways

• The championship represents a historic turnaround for Indiana’s football program.
• The emotional embrace between Mendoza and his mother highlights the personal side of athletic triumphs.
• Coach Cignetti’s leadership and the team’s resilience demonstrate that drastic improvement is possible.
• Mendoza’s advocacy for MS and his family’s support underscore the broader impact athletes can have beyond the field.

This win not only cements Indiana’s place in college football history but also shines a light on the power of family, health advocacy, and perseverance in achieving greatness.