Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been named the 2025-26 Big Ten Conference Jesse Owens Male Athlete of the Year, becoming the first Hoosier to receive the honor since 2013.
Mendoza’s season was nothing short of historic; he guided the Hoosiers to a flawless 16‑0 record and secured the program’s inaugural national championship.
His statistical dominance set new benchmarks, including a single‑season passing touchdown record of 41 and a completion percentage that topped 72 percent, both of which rank among the best in FBS history.
The award places Mendoza alongside a select group of Indiana legends, joining former track star Derek Drouin, who captured the same accolade in 2013, and former running back Anthony Thompson, the last football player to win the award in 1990.
Beyond college, Mendoza’s performance earned him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Las Vegas Raiders selected him, cementing his status as the top prospect heading into the professional ranks.
Mendoza transferred to Indiana from the University of California, Berkeley, in December 2024, a move that many analysts believed would unlock his full potential.
The quarterback’s impact extended beyond the field; he led the nation in points responsible for with 288 and topped the FBS in passing efficiency at 182.9.
A milestone for Indiana football
Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany praised the player’s leadership, noting that his achievements have elevated the conference’s national profile.
Fans and alumni alike celebrated the milestone, viewing it as a turning point for a program that has long pursued national relevance.
Heading into the next era, the Hoosiers look to build on Mendoza’s legacy, with coaching staff confident that the record‑setting quarterback will leave an indelible mark on the university’s football history.