Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza credited the Hoosiers’ Big Ten Championship win to faith, preparation, and team unity following the program’s 13–10 victory over Ohio State on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The win marked Indiana’s 13th consecutive victory and secured the conference title.
Mendoza completed 222 passing yards and threw one touchdown during the game.
Speaking with Fox Sports reporter Jenny Taft after the final whistle, he was asked what it felt like to be a Big Ten champion. “It sounds so beautiful,” Mendoza said.
He immediately added that he attributes the moment to faith.
“I want to give all the glory to God! We were never supposed to be in this position! But by the glory of God, the great coaches, great teammates, everybody we have around us, we were able to pull this off! Whoever thought the Hoosiers would be here?! But now the Hoosiers are flippin’ champs! Let’s go!”
Taft referenced the team’s internal description of themselves as “a bunch of misfits” and asked Mendoza why Indiana was the “right place” for this group.
Mendoza said the identity of the team was built on consistency and shared goals. “It’s the right place; we’re process-oriented!” he said.
“We’re going by day by day, whether it’s the offensive line, the defense, the coaches, special teams, we’re all process-oriented to one goal! That’s our thing is we’re brothers! We can drag teams into the deep end because we know we’re going to stick together, and we have the strongest glue ever!”
Mendoza then described his connection with wide receiver Charlie Becker, who played a key role during the season and in the championship matchup.
“Every single day and summer, we would always throw it before practice, at 7 a.m. on Sundays, doing spots, doing routes, and now you see it come to fruition!” Mendoza said.
“He’s my roommate! I couldn’t be happier for such a young man as well, as well as our defense playing lights out… What an incredible moment!”
Mendoza’s performance in the title game built on a strong regular season in which he threw for 2,758 yards, 32 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
He opened Saturday’s game with an early interception but recovered to lead the Hoosiers’ offense through the remainder of the contest.
With the victory, Indiana secured its place among the top programs of the season and positioned Mendoza as a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy.
