(Video) ‘Clutch’ Fernando Mendoza Comes up with Heisman-Level Play on Fourth Down in Front of Tom Brady to Seal the National Championship Game for Indiana

Fernando Mendoza goes air-borne to score the game-winning touchdown in the CFP final against Miami.

(Video) ‘Clutch’ Fernando Mendoza Comes up with Heisman-Level Play on Fourth Down in Front of Tom Brady to Seal the National Championship Game for Indiana

Fernando Mendoza scores a rushing touchdown in the CFP final (Image via IMAGO/X)

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The NCAA crowned Fernando Mendoza with the Heisman Trophy because he displayed clutch plays throughout the 2025 season. Mendoza didn’t let his recent accolades and accomplishments cloud his judgment. He tackled the postseason games with even more grit and proved that he deserves the title of the best player in college football.

When the chips were down against #10 Miami on Monday (January 19), Mendoza showed up with the goods once again. After Miami cut down the lead to just three points at the start of the fourth and final quarter of football, the Hoosiers needed a spark to tip the balance in their favor. That spark was provided by Mendoza.

On the twelfth play in the following drive, Mendoza rushed 12 yards to score a touchdown that deserves its own highlight reel. After the snap, the 22-year-old dodged a couple of Miami defenders before using the extension of his body to get the ball over the goal line to score the game-winning touchdown.

A massive hit from the final defender failed to dim Mendoza’s spirits. In fact, the hit may have woken him up even more.

Ex-Heisman Trophy winner showers Fernando Mendoza with praise

Several clips of Mendoza’s touchdown went viral in mere moments. Robert Griffin III, a former NFL quarterback, posted a tweet right after the score.

(Video) 'Clutch' Fernando Mendoza Comes up with Heisman-Level Play on Fourth Down in Front of Tom Brady to Seal the National Championship Game for Indiana
Fernando Mendoza (Image via IMAGO)

RG3 tweeted,“What a run, Fernando Mendoza. That’s how you Heisman.”

Griffin lifted the coveted Heisman Trophy during his senior year with Baylor in 2011. He had 4293 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and 6 picks in 13 games. RG further added 699 yards and 10 scores on the ground.

Mendoza helps Indiana win its first-ever national title

The game wasn’t over, of course. There was plenty of time left for Miami to mount a comeback. Briefly, it seemed Mario Cristobal‘s team might turn the game around after Carson Beck reduced the gap with a 22-yard touchdown pass to freshman Malachi Toney. However, the lead proved too big. Indiana sealed the game with a 35-yard field goal in garbage time. It ended 27-21.

Mendoza led IU to its first-ever national title. The Hoosiers were renowned for their elite basketball program, but now more and more athletes would want to play for the football team.

RG3 noted that Mendoza’s clutch genes were on full display as the game progressed. In the fourth quarter alone, he converted on 4th & 5, 4 & 4, and 3 & 7.

Mendoza finished the CFP final with 16 completions from 27 pass attempts (59%) for 186 yards and one rushing touchdown.

I had to go airborne [on the play]. I would die for my team. Whatever they need me to do, they need me to take shots — the front, the back, whatever it is — I’m going to die for my team [out there], and I know they’re going to do the same for me. That’s what makes us so close. That’s what makes this national championship so special.

Mendoza told ESPN’s Holly Rowe

Indiana became the first college football program since Yale in 1894 to win the natty after going the entire year unbeaten. For Mendoza and many IU players, the next stop is the NFL, with all eyes on the draft in Pittsburgh.

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