### Indiana's Fernando Mendoza: A Historic Run Towards the Heisman Trophy - Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has made headlines by winning both the Maxwell Award and the Davey O'Brien Award, recognizing him as the top player and quarterback in college football, respectively. This achievement comes just before the Heisman Trophy ceremony, where he is heavily favored to win the prestigious award, potentially making him the first Heisman winner from Indiana University [https://apnews.com/article/college-football-awards-cd6f46b116d0bfa35f5c762dc1aa708b][https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2025/12/13/indianas-fernando-mendoza-adds-another-major-award-with-davey-obrien-as-nations-top-qb]. Mendoza's remarkable season includes leading the Hoosiers to a perfect 13-0 record and securing the top seed in the College Football Playoff [https://www.wishtv.com/sports/football/college-football/indianas-fernando-mendoza-wins-davey-obrien-award-as-nations-top-qb]. ### Breakdown of Mendoza's Achievements and Heisman Prospects 1. **Award Wins**: - Maxwell Award: Best player in college football. - Davey O'Brien Award: Best quarterback in college football. - Associated Press Player of the Year: Recognized for outstanding performance [https://apnews.com/article/indiana-hoosiers-heisman-trophy-ee391a38a298c88cb85dd259a3613382]. 2. **Heisman Trophy Context**: - Mendoza is a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, with significant betting odds favoring him to win [https://www.newsweek.com/sports/betting/latest-heisman-trophy-odds-best-bets-mendoza-to-become-first-winner-from-iu-11205129]. - His journey from being an overlooked player to a Heisman finalist showcases his determination and skill [https://www.wthr.com/article/sports/football/indiana-university-iu-hoosiers-football-fernando-mendoza-heisman-panzer-cathedral-high-school-football-college-ncaa/531-4c1fe39a-434d-451a-9264-cd310c9dc38a]. 3. **Historical Significance**: - If Mendoza wins, he would be the first Heisman winner from Indiana University and only the third player of Hispanic descent to receive the award [https://www.newsday.com/sports/college/college-football/college-football-awards-k35015]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Season Performance**: - Mendoza led Indiana to a **13-0 record** and a **Big Ten Championship**, marking a historic season for the program [https://www.local10.com/sports/2025/12/12/indianas-fernando-mendoza-adds-another-major-award-with-davey-obrien-as-nations-top-qb]. - His performance included multiple game-winning plays, solidifying his status as a top contender for the Heisman [https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/indiana-qb-fernando-mendoza-claims-major-award-before-heisman-ceremony-11190348]. - **Heisman Odds**: - Mendoza's odds have fluctuated throughout the season, but he is currently viewed as a **heavy favorite** to win the Heisman Trophy, with odds at **-2000** [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/heisman_trophy_odds_ranking_betting_favorites_after_finalists_revealed/s1_17236_43182172]. ### Conclusion: Mendoza's Path to Potential Glory - **Key Findings**: 1. **Award Recognition**: Mendoza's wins of the Maxwell and Davey O'Brien awards highlight his exceptional talent and performance this season. 2. **Heisman Favoritism**: His status as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy underscores the significance of his achievements and the historical context of potentially being Indiana's first winner. 3. **Impact on Indiana Football**: Mendoza's success not only elevates his personal career but also marks a pivotal moment for Indiana University football, potentially changing the narrative around the program. In summary, Fernando Mendoza's journey through the 2025 college football season has been nothing short of remarkable, culminating in a strong position to make history with the Heisman Trophy [https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/heisman-trophy-finalists-2025-fernando-mendoza-diego-pavia-jeremiyah-love-julian-sayin-headed-to-new-york].