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Fernando Mendoza, the Las Vegas Raiders quarterback, has been honored as the Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year, marking a significant recognition for his outstanding college football career. Mendoza, who played for Indiana University, made history as the first player from the Big Ten Conference to win the Heisman Trophy, a national championship, and be selected first overall in the NFL Draft, all within the same year.
Mendoza's remarkable achievements include leading Indiana to a perfect 13-0 season, winning the Big Ten title, and securing the university's first-ever national championship. During the 2025 season, he completed 226-of-316 passes for 2,980 yards and threw a nation-leading 33 touchdowns. His performance earned him numerous accolades, including the AP Player of the Year and the Maxwell, Walter Camp, and Davey O’Brien Awards, as reported by Heisman.com.
In the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza was selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, joining the ranks of only a few players, like Joe Burrow and Cam Newton, who have achieved such a feat. His transition from college to professional football has been closely followed, and he is also nominated for two ESPY Awards: Best Breakthrough Athlete and Best College Athlete in Men’s Sports, according to Sports Illustrated.