For all the incredible highlights Fernando Mendoza delivered this season, none will top the Heisman winner’s dramatic, diving touchdown on fourth-and-5 with his team clinging to a 3-point lead over Miami in the national title game.
“Everyone doubted us at the beginning of the year,” Mendoza said, shortly after being named offensive MVP following Indiana’s 27-21 win. “We didn’t make it this far not to lay it on the line. Fourth down, we trust our guys, we trust our O-line. … I would die for my guys on the field, the way they would do for myself. We put it on the line and got it done.”
FERNANDO. MENDOZA.
THE PLAY OF A LIFETIME ‼️ pic.twitter.com/g3o5nNNslr
— ESPN (@espn) January 20, 2026
By the lofty standards he set leading up to the championship game, Mendoza posted a rather routine stat line Monday night, completing 16 of 27 passes for 186 yards and a rushing touchdown. However, Mendoza’s gutsy scoring play will go down as an indelible moment in college football — not to mention Indiana Hoosiers — history, and it came only after he delivered a pinpoint throw to wide receiver Charlie Becker to convert a fourth-and-5 from Miami’s 37.
Later, after Miami again had pulled within 3 points, Mendoza and Becker connected on another fade route to move the chains, this time on a third-and-7 from the Indiana 48.
Fittingly, Indiana’s magical title run culminated with the ball in Mendoza’s hands as he kneeled twice after his defense forced a late, game-clinching interception of Carson Beck.
The next stop for Mendoza? In all likelihood, he’ll be the No. 1 pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft. What did Mendoza show NFL scouts in what figures to be his final collegiate performance, assuming he declares for the draft this week? Is there any other prospect who could challenge him for the top slot come April 23? The Athletic draft expert Dane Brugler and senior writer Nick Baumgardner take a closer look.
Reacting to Mendoza’s performance
This was a pretty classic Fernando Mendoza game, even if the numbers aren’t going to impress many at first glance. Miami’s defense is tough, at the front, middle and back levels. The Hurricanes got after Mendoza more than any other team has all year, and the officials allowed their defensive backs more contact on receivers than we’ve seen during the College Football Playoff.
And yet, when the national title was on the line, there was not another college football quarterback you’d rather give the ball to than Mendoza. We’ve written a lot about his arm talent, feet and improved processing from the pocket this year. But one thing that gets undervalued is his ability to be at his best when that’s what is needed.
It was like that all year for the Hoosiers. Mendoza’s fourth-down touchdown run was just another example of his showing up in a big spot. He made money back-shoulder throws to Becker down the stretch, including the aforementioned third-down conversion with under three minutes left.
Mendoza has first-round talent, but he’s also a first-round performer who shows up and leads by example every day. He’s a talented grinder and deserves to be QB1 in this draft class. — Nick Baumgardner
Are there any other options for the No. 1 pick?
No, Mendoza is going No. 1. Next question.
But in all seriousness, if for some reason the Raiders aren’t sold on the Indiana QB, they would trade the pick — they would not draft a different player at No. 1. There isn’t a Myles Garrett-level, non-quarterback prospect in this class worth staying at No. 1 for, but there would be (and probably still will be) multiple teams submitting trade offers to move up for the chance to select Mendoza.
Though Mendoza isn’t on the level of Caleb Williams or Drake Maye as a prospect, he has the talent to be a productive NFL starter for a long time. It would be shocking if Tom Brady and the Raiders don’t select him with the top pick. — Dane Brugler