Two days after leading Indiana to its first Big Ten championship in 58 years, Fernando Mendoza has been named a Heisman Trophy finalist. Alongside Mendoza, the finalists include Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin.
The winner will be announced this Saturday in New York.
Mendoza earned his spot after a nail-biting victory over Ohio State, marking the first time Indiana has beaten the Buckeyes since 1988. He threw for 222 yards and sealed the win with a crucial 33-yard touchdown pass. “We were never supposed to be in this position,” Mendoza said after earning MVP honors. “But now we’re the flipping champs.”
Current odds place Mendoza as the strong favorite to win the Heisman, a trophy awarded since 1935 to the top college football player. Indiana has never had a Heisman winner, although running back Anthony Thompson came in second in 1989.
Mendoza, a junior who transferred to Indiana from California, has led the team to the College Football Playoff. Voters for the Heisman consist of over 900 members, including media and former winners.
Pavia, despite Vanderbilt’s playoff absence, has had a standout season. He has led the Commodores to their first 10-win season and broke school records with 3,192 passing yards and 27 touchdowns.
Love, playing for Notre Dame, narrowly missed playoff inclusion but topped the team with 21 all-purpose touchdowns, a new school record. He also ranks among the best nationally in rushing yards and touchdowns.
Sayin, in his first season at Ohio State, has made a significant impact. He boasts the best completion rate in FBS history and an impressive QBR, making his mark in a competitive season.
As college football evolves, fans are excited to see how these young talents will shape the future of the sport. Recent trends show that schools are investing heavily in football programs, aiming to develop more players like Mendoza and Pavia. With each passing season, the competition only grows fiercer, making every game a thrilling spectacle.
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