Fernando Mendoza has etched his name into college football history, becoming the first Indiana Hoosier to win the Heisman Memorial Trophy since its inception in 1935. And for JLab, it marks an incredible milestone: for the second year in a row, a JLab Playmaker has claimed college football's most prestigious award. Maybe it's the headphones?
College Football's Highest Honor
The Heisman Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in collegiate football. Established in 1935, this bronze statue has become the sport's most coveted individual award, symbolizing excellence in athletic performance and sportsmanship. Past winners include legendary players like Barry Sanders and Cam Newton. In 2024, JLab Playmaker Travis Hunter made history as only the second primarily two-way player to win the award, following in the footsteps of Charles Woodson's 1997 victory.
Now, just one year later, another JLab Playmaker stands atop college football's mountain.
A Historic Season in Bloomington
Mendoza's journey to college football's pinnacle has been extraordinary. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound redshirt junior from Miami, Florida, transferred to Indiana from California and immediately transformed the Hoosiers' program. In his first year wearing the cream and crimson, Mendoza led Indiana to an unprecedented 13-0 record, the program's first-ever No. 1 ranking, a Big Ten Championship victory over Ohio State, and the top seed in the College Football Playoff.
His statistical dominance speaks volumes: completing 226-of-316 passes for 2,980 yards and a nation-leading 33 touchdown passes, while adding 240 rushing yards and six more scores on the ground. He ranks second nationally in total touchdowns accounted for (39) and quarterback rating (181.39), while maintaining an impressive 71.5% completion percentage.
A Dominant Heisman Victory
On Saturday, December 13th, Mendoza was announced as the 91st winner of the Heisman Memorial Trophy. His victory was commanding – receiving 2,362 points and 643 first-place votes, well ahead of Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia, Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love, and Ohio State's Julian Sayin.
The numbers behind Mendoza's win are historic:
- First to finish first in all six Heisman regions since Caleb Williams in 2022
- Received 84.66% of total possible points – seventh highest in Heisman history
- Named on 95.16% of all ballots – tied for second highest in Heisman history
"This trophy might have my name on it," Mendoza said at the ceremony, "but it belongs to all of you, it belongs, for the first time, in Bloomington. Playing in front of Hoosier Nation is one of the greatest privileges of my life."
Beyond the Heisman, Mendoza was named the 2025 Big Ten Offensive Player and Quarterback of the Year, AP Player of the Year, and won the Maxwell, Walter Camp, and Davey O'Brien Awards.
Back-to-Back JLab Playmaker Heisman Winners
Two years. Two JLab Playmakers. Two Heisman Trophies.
Following Travis Hunter's groundbreaking 2024 campaign, Fernando Mendoza has continued an incredible streak for the JLab family. While Travis rewrote the rulebook as a dominant two-way player at Colorado, Mendoza has authored his own masterpiece, leading Indiana to heights the program has never seen.
What do these two elite athletes have in common? Relentless dedication, exceptional talent, and a commitment to excellence that extends beyond the field – including their choice in audio equipment. Whether it's Travis preparing for game day or Fernando studying film, JLab Playmakers know that peak performance requires the right gear.
A JLab Playmaker Making History
Fernando Mendoza represents everything JLab celebrates in our Playmakers – excellence, determination, and the drive to be the best. As Indiana prepares for their CFP quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl on January 1st as the last unbeaten team in major college football, Mendoza's historic season reminds us that greatness knows no bounds.
From first-year starter to Heisman Trophy winner, Fernando Mendoza has proven that he's not just playing football – he's making history. And we couldn't be prouder to have him as part of the JLab family.
Click below to shop Fernando's favorite JLab products!
