US EditionHere's Elsa Mendoza's Reaction to Son's Rushing Touchdown that Sealed IU's Championship
Indiana secured its first College Football Playoff title with a decisive fourth-down touchdown run by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, highlighting coach Curt Cignetti's aggressive late-game strategy.
- On Monday, the Indiana Hoosiers football team beat the Miami Hurricanes football team 27-21 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, with Fernando Mendoza's fourth-and-5 touchdown run in the fourth quarter sealing their first-ever College Football Playoff national title.
- Curt Cignetti's aggressive fourth-down calls in the fourth quarter, including two gambles, put Mendoza in position after Bloomington's 713 losses before Cignetti arrived two years ago.
- On the play itself, Fernando Mendoza finished with 186 yards passing and a 12-yard rushing touchdown featuring a cutback and leap over a lineman before diving into the end zone; it was his seventh rushing score this season.
- As a result, the Big Ten Conference secures its third consecutive CFP title, with many placing Mendoza's run among historic moments in college football history.
- Observers compare the run to Vince Young's 2005 Rose Bowl run and other post-1998 BCS-era title-game moments, noting Mendoza's effort is remarkable though not a last-second walk-off.
41 Articles
41 Articles
Elsa Mendoza Steals Hearts After Indiana's Historic Championship Win
Elsa Mendoza captured hearts on and off the field after her son, Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza, led his team to its first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship on 19 January 2026, in a triumphant 27-21 victory over the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Cameras repeatedly focused on Elsa in the stands throughout the game, celebrating every pivotal moment with pride as her son cemented a…
Fernando Mendoza Waited a Year for Revenge On Wesley Bissainthe and Got It With One of the Most Iconic Plays We've Ever Seen
Fernando Mendoza's touchdown run that ended up being the difference in the national title game to give Indiana a championship is going to be remembered as one of the most iconic plays in the history o...
Lil Uzi Vert Dubbed 'Lil Hoozi Vert' By Indiana Fans After Attending CFP Championship Game For Fernando Mendoza
Lil Uzi Vert made an appearance at the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship game on Monday. The rapper received an invitation from player Fernando Mendoza, who vowed to bring them to the game if his team made it to the championship. Lil Uzi Vert attended the college football championship game The game resulted in a 27-21 win by the Hoosiers. Fernando Mendoza, who plays as a quarterback for the team, invited Lil Uzi Vert via an int…
Fernando Mendoza's parents all smiles after IU's national title
Interview with Fernando Mendoza’s parents MIAMI (WISH) — IU football won its first ever national championship on Monday night, defeating Miami, 27-21. After the game, WISH-TV Sports Director Anthony Calhoun caught up with IU star quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s parents. Watch the interview in the video above.
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