At a Glance
- Fernando Mendoza led Indiana to a 27-21 victory over Miami in the national championship
- The Hoosiers finished 16-0 after going 3-9 in 2023
- Mendoza, a Cal transfer, grew up one mile from the University of Miami
- Why it matters: The win caps the biggest turnaround in college football history
Indiana completed a storybook season, defeating Miami 27-21 at Hard Rock Stadium to claim the national championship. Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza engineered the upset, delivering the program its first title.
From 3-9 to Unbeaten
The Hoosiers’ perfect 16-0 record follows a 3-9 campaign in 2023. Coach Curt Cignetti rebuilt the roster with overlooked talent, including Mendoza, a transfer from Cal who once dreamed of playing for his hometown Hurricanes.
“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.”
Homecoming for Mendoza
The championship game carried extra meaning for Mendoza, who grew up about a mile from the University of Miami. His mother, Elsa, played tennis for the Hurricanes. His father, Fernando Mendoza Sr., was an offensive lineman alongside current Miami coach Mario Cristobal at Christopher Columbus High School.
More than 100 Mendoza relatives attended the game, creating a split-loyalty atmosphere inside the stadium.
“I know people might be torn, and we get it,” backup quarterback Alberto Mendoza, Fernando’s younger brother, told ESPN before the game. “We used to go to Miami games all the time as kids. Our mom played tennis there.”
Alberto added, “I guess if you are from Miami, then you can’t lose.”
The Turnaround Timeline
| Season | Record | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3-9 | Last place |
| 2024 | 11-2 | Bowl win |
| 2025 | 16-0 | National champions |
Heisman Winner’s Reflection
In an interview with News Of Los Angeles last month, Mendoza discussed his unlikely path to the Heisman Trophy and presumptive No. 1 pick status in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“It feels surreal,” he said. “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.”
Key Takeaways
- Indiana’s 16-0 season represents the fastest turnaround from losing record to national champion in college football history
- Mendoza’s performance capped a personal journey from overlooked Cal transfer to Heisman winner
- The Hoosiers defeated Miami in their own backyard, adding irony to the championship victory
- Coach Curt Cignetti’s rebuild took just two seasons to reach the sport’s pinnacle
