One of the most prestigious honors in all of college football, the Maxwell Award has been presented annually to the most outstanding player in the nation. Since 1937, players have been recognized for their excellence on and off the field. Often, the winner of the Maxwell Award and the Heisman Trophy line up, but it’s not a given. In the last 15 seasons, there has been a different winner of the two awards seven times.
The award is named for Robert Maxwell, a renowned writer in the realm of college football. He is credited with bringing the game closer to the fans and enhancing its visibility. The Maxwell Award is a tribute to Maxwell’s legacy by “exemplifying the skill, sportsmanship, and dedication” to college football.
It was a tough race between a handful of wholly deserving players. This year, however, it was Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza who took home the award. The Hoosier quarterback beat out Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. Fernando is just the second Hoosier to take home the award. He joined legendary Indiana running back Anthony Thompason (1989)
Fernando Mendoza Wins The Maxwell Award
Mendoza came into 2025 with high expectations. After spending two years at Cal, fresh off a 3,000-yard season as a sophomore, Mendoza jumped into the portal to join Curt Cignetti’s program. The Hoosiers were a program on the rise, fresh off a surprising CFP appearance. As a result, he’s taken the Hoosiers to unprecedented heights.
Heading into the postseason as the number-one overall seed in the College Football Playoff, Mendoza has 2,980 yards and the most touchdowns in the nation with 33. After taking it easy and getting his feet wet in the opening game, Mendoza has scored at least once in each of the last 12 games. Additionally, he has five games with at least four passing touchdowns under his belt.
The last time we saw him, Mendoza was solid against the top defense in the country in the Big Ten Championship. On paper, he threw for 222 yards and one touchdown with one interception. However, those numbers do not tell the whole story. He made the big-time throws of a true franchise quarterback. His touchdown pass to ultimately put the Hoosiers ahead and win the game was about as perfect as he could have done.
Mendoza is also a finalist for the Heisman Trophy and Davey O’Brien Award. He took home the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award already this week.
His Hoosiers have a bye and will play the winner of Alabama and Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl.
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