IU quarterback Fernando Mendoza enters the discussion for 2025 Heisman Trophy

Photos from IU football vs. Indiana State football on September 12, 2025.

IU’s 63-10 statement win against Illinois on Saturday at Memorial Stadium catapulted quarterback Fernando Mendoza into the early discussion for the 2025 Heisman Trophy.

While it’s far too early in the college football season for a Heisman favorite to emerge, Mendoza has been among the top players nationally through four weeks of the season.

Through four games, Mendoza has completed 76 of his 99 pass attempts for 975 yards and 14 touchdowns. His completion percentage of 76.8 percent ranks second nationally, as does his quarterback rating of 206.16.

A glance at updated odds to win the 2025 Heisman Trophy shows Saturday’s performance against Illinois launched Mendoza into the conversation in what appears to be a wide-open race.

Mendoza is currently the favorite to win the Heisman at FanDuel and is second on the board at DraftKings and BetMGM.

Sports Illustrated ranks Mendoza as the No. 4 candidate on its board after four weeks:

“Welcome to the conversation Fernando Mendoza and the Hoosiers. Curt Cignetti’s squad stomped ninth-ranked Illinois and their junior quarterback was nearly perfect, with five touchdowns and no turnovers along the way. The big win moved Indiana up to No. 11 in the AP poll with a trip to 3-1 Iowa ahead next week. After that, they have a tough challenge after a bye week on the road against undefeated Oregon. Mendoza’s numbers alone put him as a worthy Heisman candidate, especially if he keeps the Hoosiers in the conversation for a return to the College Football Playoff.”

The 6-foot-5 Mendoza, a junior, transferred to Indiana after spending the last two seasons at Cal. His younger brother, Alberto, is the backup quarterback for the Hoosiers after redshirting last season.

Last season for the Bears, the Miami, Florida native threw for 3,004 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Indiana, now ranked No. 11 in the Associated Press top 25 poll, must quickly move on from Saturday’s beatdown of Illinois.

The Hoosiers travel to Iowa on Saturday to play the Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium at 3:30 p.m. ET on Peacock.

The Hawkeyes are 3-1 with a narrow 16-13 loss to rival Iowa State in Ames. IU football has not won at Kinnick Stadium since a 38-20 win on September 29, 2007.

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