By Larry Arreguin | La Prensa Latina News Wire | December 13, 2025

Fernando Mendoza was named the 91st Heisman Trophy winner, delivering a historic milestone for college football as the first Cuban-American to receive the sport’s most prestigious individual honor and the first player from Indiana University to win the award.

The announcement capped a remarkable season for Mendoza, whose leadership, poise, and production elevated both his team and his profile on the national stage. Standing before college football royalty at the ceremony, Mendoza reflected on a journey that once felt improbable.

“Standing here tonight holding this trophy, representing Indiana University, still doesn’t feel real,” Mendoza said during his acceptance speech. “This moment is bigger than me. It’s the product of family, teammates, coaches, and a community that believed in me long before anyone knew my name.”

With all four of his grandparents born in Cuba, Mendoza becomes just the third player of Latino or Hispanic heritage to win the Heisman Trophy, joining Jim Plunkett, who won the award in 1970, and Bryce Young, the 2021 recipient. His victory represents a significant moment for representation in college football, highlighting the expanding impact of Latino athletes at the highest level of the sport.

Mendoza’s path to the Heisman was shaped by perseverance and resilience. Growing up in Miami, he described moments of doubt early in his football journey, including being overlooked as a young player and receiving limited recruiting attention coming out of high school. Despite those challenges, Mendoza credited his family’s unwavering support for keeping him focused on his goals.

He made clear that the award belonged to more than just himself.

“This trophy might have my name on it, but it belongs to all of us — my brothers, my coaches, Hoosier Nation, and my family,” Mendoza said. He specifically acknowledged his teammates, praising the offensive line that protected him, the receivers and tight ends who made critical plays, the running backs who fought for extra yards, and a defense that consistently gave the team opportunities to succeed.

Mendoza also shared emotional tributes to his parents and siblings. He credited his mother for instilling courage and belief, and his father for teaching discipline, consistency, and accountability. Speaking directly to his younger brother, Mendoza emphasized the joy and perspective family brought throughout his journey.

In a powerful message to young athletes, Mendoza addressed those who feel overlooked or underestimated. “I was you,” he said. “You don’t need hype or stars. You need discipline, heart, and people who believe in you — including yourself.”

He closed his remarks by honoring his heritage in Spanish, saying, “Por el amor y sacrificio de mis padres y abuelos, los quiero mucho. De todo corazón, gracias.”

Mendoza’s Heisman win marks a defining moment for Indiana football, a breakthrough for Cuban-American representation in the sport, and a reminder that belief, perseverance, and community remain at the heart of college football’s most celebrated stories.