“There was something in the air that night. The stars were bright, Fernando. They were shining there. for you and me. For liberty, Fernando.” As ABBA’s “Fernando” echoed through Hard Rock Stadium, the moment felt cinematic. Behind Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, the Indiana Hoosiers sealed a national championship. After holding the record for the most losses in college football (CFB) history, the Hoosiers went into the 2025-2026 season and turned it around, making the greatest turnaround in the sport’s history. 

Fernando Mendoza has also become a favorite of college football fans across the country, far beyond Bloomington, even among those with no attachment to Indiana. His rise was never just about statistics or trophies, but about the story behind them. Raised in a family that faced real adversity, Mendoza often credits his mother, who has lived with multiple sclerosis (MS), for shaping his perspective and resilience. He has spoken about growing up alongside his brother, playing backyard football, and learning early what it meant to compete, support one another, and never take opportunities for granted. Now, everything has fallen into place for Mendoza after winning the Heisman and is projected to be the number one pick in the NFL drop.

Indiana versus Miami, a school that has never been known for football, competing against a school that has five national championships and was playing on their home field.  This was not new ground for the Hoosiers, who had taken the Big Ten title by defeating Ohio State.  Indiana is a team built from hard work and discipline, relying on team chemistry and play execution, whereas Miami is a team with a bevy of 4- and 5-star talent.  Each play mattered, and the team with the fewest mistakes would be the victor.  Over the course of the season, Indiana had only 8 turnovers compared to Miami’s 14.  This game would follow that pattern with 2 pivotal turnovers by Miami that would seal their fate.  The first was a blocked punt that resulted in a touchdown for Indiana, and the last was an interception of a Carson Beck pass. If that wasn’t enough, there were also the costly penalties made by Miami, 7 for 60 yards.  Indiana’s disciplined play kept them to only 5 for 38 yards.  Despite Miami’s touted defense, Indiana’s offense would execute on each play, and if passing didn’t work, they would run the ball, including an airborne rushing touchdown by Mendoza himself.  

With a final score of 27-21, Indiana would remain undefeated, hard work and discipline would prevail over pedigree.  Despite the home field advantage and storied program, a team that had been proving people wrong all year would not crumble under the pressure with a national championship on the line.  They would play the same way they had played all year, undeterred.  The boy who dreamed of playing for the University of Miami and grew up attending games at Hard Rock Stadium would make them regret their decision to pass him over.  This CFP was the second most-watched in history, and the fans got exactly what they tuned in for: a hard-fought, competitive game with the winners comprised of underdogs who had something to prove and who ultimately played the game better.