The Indiana Hoosiers are off to a perfect 11-0 start, but it’s their QB Fernando Mendoza who will wind up getting the individual accolades at season’s end. Currently, he is the favorite (-110) to win the heralded Heisman Trophy – and the only one to not possess plus-odds – but this is far from a sure thing yet.
Announcing his decision on Christmas Eve 2024, the Cal transfer revealed plans to head to Bloomington and join his brother, Alberto, who was already part of the Hoosiers’ roster. (By the way, is there anyone more popular on Indiana’s campus than the Mendoza brothers right now? Fernando for balling out, and Alberto for bringing him here.)
As the season went on, Mendoza was breaking record after record, but perhaps the most noteworthy feat is that he is now the only Indiana QB to ever throw for 30+ touchdowns in a single season.
While the Hoosiers are looking at a bye week ahead, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what has been an incredible ride for Mendoza up to this point. Let’s take a trip down memory lane, as I’ll give you all the details you need to know about the potential 2025 Heisman Trophy winner.
What Were the Heisman Trophy Odds on Fernando Mendoza?
Before a snap was taken in college football this season, Mendoza ranged anywhere from +2500 to +3000 to win the Heisman Trophy at various sportsbooks. For reference, the outright favorites included QBs like Julian Sayin (Ohio State) and Ty Simpson (Alabama); those players were in the range of +800 to +1000.
What Big Moments Did Fernando Mendoza Have This Season?
The first time Mendoza truly emerged into the national spotlight was after Indiana’s 63-10 rout over then-ranked #9 Illinois. Mendoza went 21-for-23 with 267 passing yards and five touchdowns in the victory. This performance would increase his odds to +650, making him one of the Heisman favorites.
Mendoza’s next shining moment in the 30-20 rain-soaked road win at then-ranked #3 Oregon, where he went 20-for-31 with 246 total yards and a touchdown. While it wasn’t a statistical masterpiece, this was the first time anyone had taken Indiana for real as a national title contender, and his Heisman odds went to +300.
As for what could be the definitive “Heisman moment,” Mendoza and Indiana were trailing 24-20 late (1:51 remaining) at Penn State. On the final drive, he would go 5-for-9 with 87 passing yards to lead the Hoosiers to victory. Once again, it wasn’t a statistical overload, but Mendoza went 19-for-30 with a touchdown and added 20 yards on the ground. Now, Mendoza currently sits at -110 as the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.
What Big Games Does Fernando Mendoza Have Left This Season?
Up next for Indiana will be its final regular-season game on the road against Purdue (2-9) on Friday, Nov. 28. If all goes according to plan, and Indiana wins, it will have an appearance in the Big Ten Championship game on Saturday, Dec. 6.
A lot would have to go wrong for Indiana not to make it into the College Football Playoff, but those games would not affect the Heisman Trophy race.
Who Else is Chasing Fernando Mendoza for the Heisman Trophy?
According to the odds, Mendoza is trailed closely by Ohio State QB Julian Sayin (+180), and Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed (+500). Other players like Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love (+3000) and Georgia QB Gunner Stockton (+3000) are also in the running.
Related Posts
