By [Reporter Name – Placeholder]
Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:54:38 +0000
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the newly crowned Heisman Trophy winner, has offered his perspective on the widespread viral reaction to his emotional postgame interview following the team’s Big Ten Championship victory over Ohio State.
In an interview published Friday, December 12, with *People* magazine, Mendoza admitted the outpouring of emotion was genuine. “It was just genuine raw emotion,” he stated. “Maybe it was a little too much.”
The moment went viral following the December 6th victory, as Mendoza, visibly moved, expressed his gratitude to his team, coaches, and supporters. “It sounds so beautiful! I want to give all the glory to God. We were never supposed to be in this position but by the great glory of God, the great coaches, the great teammates, and everyone we have around us, we were able to pull this off!” he exclaimed, later quipping, “Who ever thought the Hoosiers would be here? But, now the Hoosiers are flippin’ champs! Let’s go!”
Mendoza explained that he deliberately sought to avoid cliché responses. “I was really, really happy for my team, and at the same time I didn’t wanna say anything cliche, you know, like ‘everything is possible,’” he said. “So I just wanted to keep it down and keep it authentic and just give the world my real self.” He felt his sincerity was unexpected and appreciated the opportunity to present his genuine self.
Despite the global attention, Mendoza has taken steps to limit external influence. He revealed to *The Herald Sun* in October 2025 that he had removed nearly all social media apps from his phone, now only utilizing LinkedIn and YouTube for video viewing. His younger brother, Alberto, and “some marking people” manage his Instagram account. “I want to keep everything inside the building,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on coaching guidance and team objectives.
The victory comes ahead of the Heisman Trophy ceremony, where Mendoza secured the award over Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin. Mendoza is the first-ever Heisman winner for the Hoosiers.
Thursday, December 11th, Mendoza also received the Associated Press Player of the Year award, recognizing his leading role in the Hoosiers’ historic Big Ten championship. “I’m shining now but only because there are so many stars around me,” he stated. “There’s an analogy that the only reason we’re able to see stars in the sky is because the light reflects from all different types of stars.”
The Hoosiers will face the winners of the Alabama vs. Oklahoma game in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2026.