Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza had God in his heart and faith on his mind as he helped deliver one of the most unforgettable nights in Hoosiers football history. The sophomore star battled through a bruising national championship matchup on Monday night, guiding Indiana to its first-ever college football national title with a 27–21 victory over the Miami Hurricanes.

Despite being battered throughout the game, Mendoza stayed poised. One of the defining moments came midway through the fourth quarter on 4th down, when he tucked the ball and sprinted toward the end zone. With defenders closing in, Mendoza leaped from the two-yard line and extended the ball toward the goal line, breaking the plane for a touchdown that helped seal victory. Moments later, speaking with ESPN’s Holly Rowe, the newly crowned national champion and Heisman Trophy winner made it clear where the glory belonged. “Glory to God,” he said after the win, echoing the theme that had followed him all season.

Mendoza didn’t just play in front of a roaring crowd — he played in front of two men who have walked alongside him spiritually. Father Patrick Hyde and Father Ben Keller of Saint Paul Church, the Catholic parish at Indiana University, were in the stands to witness the historic night. Cameras captured the trio embracing after the win, a celebratory moment that quickly spread on social media. “For this team, for this young man, and for this experience, I give thanks and glory to God!” Father Hyde wrote on X the next morning.

Fernando Mendoza celebrating the Natty with family is what it’s all about ❤️ pic.twitter.com/StFNnaBDPL

— espnW (@espnW) January 20, 2026

Afterward, Mendoza hugged family members on the field as confetti fell and Hoosiers fans celebrated a long-awaited breakthrough. The championship was the culmination of a season defined not only by elite play but also by visible faith. Mendoza has been open throughout the year about how his walk with Christ has shaped his journey. “The only reason I’ve gotten to this point is because there’s so many different people helping me in my journey, and [the Saint Paul priests] have been one,” he said, according to Church Leaders. “They’ve done so much to help me, whether it’s confession or just to be able to talk or just Mass every Sunday. So I really give a lot that I have accomplished this season to the Lord, and we give thanks to God.”

For Indiana football, the championship will go down as a historic first. For Mendoza, it was another chapter in a story he insists is ultimately about faith, gratitude, and giving credit where he believes it’s due.