Fernando Mendoza: Big Ten's Top Athlete | Indiana Hoosiers Football News

Fernando Mendoza just became the first Indiana quarterback since 1990 to win the Big Ten’s Jesse Owens Male Athlete of the Year award — and he’s already rewriting history. The 2025-26 honoree is the sixth Hoosier ever to claim this elite honor and the eighth Big Ten football player to do so. Earlier this year, he made history as the second Hoosier ever drafted 1 overall in the NFL and the first Big Ten QB to reach that mark since 2008. In his final season, Mendoza led the nation in passing touchdowns (41) and total TDs responsible for (48), setting new Indiana records. He was the only FBS QB to throw four or more TDs in five games without an interception, and led the country in touchdown percentage — proof of his elite efficiency. His accolades include the Heisman, AP National Player of the Year, Davey O’Brien, Maxwell, unanimous All-American, and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. His postseason MVPs in the Big Ten Championship, Peach Bowl, and College Football Playoff National Championship seal his legacy as the most dominant college athlete in the Big Ten. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/dbb253d1e093e8d2