‘Unadulterated emotion’ – Fernando Mendoza cements Heisman status with legendary interview after historic Big 10 title win

Dec 7, 2025 - 13:15

It’s Fernando Mendoza’s world, and we’re all just living in it.

The Indiana quarterback cemented his status as Heisman favorite on Saturday night, and led the Hoosiers to a historic Big 10 Championship win over Ohio State, their first outright title since 1945.

Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts after winning the Big Ten Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 — Mendoza led Indiana to their first outright Big 10 title since 1945

In a clash between the two top teams in college football, Mendoza went 15/23 for 222 yards and a touchdown as Indiana secured a 13-10 victory at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Hoosiers will now head into the College Football Playoff, which has been much-debated, as the No. 1 seed, having gone undefeated (13-0) this season, and contest the Rose Bowl on January 1.

Indiana, once the losingest program in NCAA history, will now be dreaming of a run to the National Championship game.

Mendoza, perhaps, is dreaming of being named the Heisman winner.

And plenty of fans think he has one hand on the trophy thanks to his performance in the Big 10 Championship, and the postgame interview that followed.

Fernando Mendoza drops legendary postgame interview

With emotions running high, Fox’s Jenny Taft caught the 22-year-old quarterback for an on-field interview that will be remembered for years to come.

“It sounds so beautiful!” Mendoza yelled, holding back tears, when asked how being ‘Big Ten champs’ sounds.

“I want to give all the glory to God, we were never supposed to be in this position but by the glory of God, the great coaches, great teammates, everyone we have around us, we were able to pull this off.

“Whoever thought the Hoosiers would be here? But now the Hoosiers are flippin’ champs! Let’s go!”

Mendoza’s strained shouts quickly went viral on social media, and a new meme was instantly born.

Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers gives an interview after winning the Big Ten Championship game — Mendoza gave a legendary interview after the Hoosiers beat Ohio State

Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers gives an interview after winning the Big Ten Championship game against Ohio State — His reaction quickly went viral, and fans were loving the emotion

But the young QB managed to regain his composure when Taft asked him about Indiana putting together the ‘right group’ to win.

“We’re process-oriented. We’re going day-by-day, whether it’s the offensive line, the defense, the coaches, special teams, we’re all process-oriented to one goal,” he responded, in a deeper tone.

“That’s our thing. Because we’re brothers, we can drag teams into the deep end because we know we’re going to stick together and we’re the strongest glue ever.”

Mendoza’s postgame interview, unsurprisingly, went down a storm with fans.

“How could you watch this interview and see ANYTHING but the future first overall draft pick? EVERY TEAM in the NFL should have their eyes on this kid,” one fan wrote on X.

“Thought it was a WWE voice over,” a second joked.

Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers lifts the MVP trophy after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes 13-10 in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium — Mendoza has cemented himself as this year’s Heisman Trophy favorite

View Tweet: https://twitter.com/IndianaFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

“We need a new word for this type of emotion,” a third wrote.

“That kind of raw postgame truth hits different, you can’t fake it. Pure heart, pure grit, pure story in motion,” a fourth said.

“I absolutely loved it. Pure unadulterated emotion,” a fifth concluded.

Why is Fernando Mendoza this year’s Heisman favorite?

Mendoza now heads to New York City for Heisman Trophy Ceremony on Saturday, December 13, as the favorite for the award.

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The Cal transfer has racked up 2,980 passing yards, 33 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2025.

He also added 240 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

Ohio State’s Julian Sayin has put up similar numbers and is also in the running, but with a Big 10 title win, Mendoza now has the head-to-head advantage.

The Indiana star may have clinched the Heisman with a clutch throw in the Big 10 title game, when he found wide receiver Charlie Becker on a 30-yard pass on third-and-6 with under three minutes to play.

Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates a touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the third quarter in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 — Mendoza will head to New York after Indiana secured the CFP top seed

Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia also has a strong case for the award, but was unable to go unbeaten with the 10–2 Commodores.

All signs are pointing to a Mendoza win, and you can bet his postgame interview will be replayed hundreds of times in the build up to next weekend’s ceremony.

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