The Heisman Trophy fraternity welcomed Fernando Mendoza on Saturday. Indiana now has its first-ever winner of the coveted award , while joining Jim Plunkett as the second Hispanic Heisman winner. Now IU fans will believe this will swing a door open for future Hoosier Heisman candidates.

Mendoza collected 2,362 points to win the honor . He beats out Diego Pavia who earned 1,435 points .

Both won't be in the running next season — as both have exhausted their collegiate eligibility and will pursue the NFL. However, one of the four finalists is eligible to make a run next season.

And Julian Sayin leads off the five early candidates for next season's award. Which features one dark horse contender.

Julian Sayin early favorite out of Ohio State

Sayin will be fueled in 2026 by two

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