Fernando Mendoza Wins 2025 Heisman Trophy, Tearfully Dedicates It to His Mom: 'You've Always Been My Biggest Fan'

NEED TO KNOW

• Indiana Hoosiers star Fernando Mendoza won the 2025 Heisman Trophy during the annual ceremony on Dec. 13 in New York City
• During his emotional acceptance speech, he tearfully dedicated the trophy to his mom, Elsa, saying, "You've always been my biggest fan"
• Other finalists for the award included Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame, Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia and Julian Sayin of Ohio State

Indiana Hoosiers star Fernando Mendoza is the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner!

The prestigious college football award was awarded live to Mendoza, 22, during the ceremony hosted by Chris Fowler at Lincoln Center's Appel Room in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 13.

During his emotional acceptance speech, he dedicated the trophy to his mom, Elsa, as tears rolled down his face, per Hoosier St. of Mind.

"Mommy, this is your trophy as much as it is mine," he said. "You've always been my biggest fan. You're my light, you're my why, you're my biggest supporter. Your sacrifices, courage and love, those have been my first playbook and the playbook I'm going to carry by my side throughout my entire life."

Mendoza continued his heartfelt tribute: "You taught me that toughness doesn't need to be loud, it can be quiet and strong. It's choosing hope. It's believing in yourself when the world doesn't give you much reason to. Together, you and I are rewriting what people think is possible."

Other finalists for the award included Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame, Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia and Julian Sayin of Ohio State.

The ceremony, marking the 91st Heisman Trophy to be awarded, included appearances by former quarterback Tim Tebow, who won the award in 2007, the 1989 recipient Andre Ware and retired wide receiver Desmond Howard, who won in 1991.

ESPN's Holly Rowe and Marty Smith were also on hand for the ceremony.

Ahead of the Heisman ceremony, Mendoza spoke to PEOPLE about his viral interview after the Hoosiers' win in the Big 10 championship game. “It was just genuine raw motion,” Mendoza, 22, said, joking, “Maybe it was a little too much.”

The quarterback added, “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.’ So I just wanted to keep it down and keep it authentic and just give the world my real self.”

The 2025 Heisman Trophy went to Colorado Buffaloes alum Travis Hunter, who was joined by his former head coach Deion Sanders and now-wife Leanna Lenee.

Hunter, who was drafted second overall in 2025 by the Jacksonville Jaguars, emotionally thanked his father in his speech. “I want to say something to my father. He's not here. But I know you're watching on TV,” he said, tearfully.

“Dad, I love you," he continued. "All the stuff you went through, man. Now, look at your oldest son. I did it for you, man. All the times that you ain't get to see me, and the times that you came to see my games. From probably two games in high school to seeing me on TV every weekend and coming to see me, man, that means so much to me."

Read the original article on People