ESPN / Holly Rowe
Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza had his big highlight moment in the national championship game, but it came at a price.
Late in the fourth quarter, Mendoza decided to run the ball near the end zone and took multiple big hits from Miami Hurricanes players on his way for the touchdown.
FERNANDO. MENDOZA.
THE PLAY OF A LIFETIME ‼️ pic.twitter.com/g3o5nNNslr
— ESPN (@espn) January 20, 2026
FERNANDO MENDOZA HEISMAN MOMENT pic.twitter.com/9kx6a5uXel
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) January 20, 2026
After the game, ESPN’s Holly Rowe noticed Mendoza’s bruised arms and asked him about it.
“Shoutout to Miami defense…it was going to be a physical game, we had to play physical and we did play physical. We elevated it and made the victory so sweet”
Here’s what Mendoza’s arms looked like after the game.
Fernando Mendoza throwing arm. Championship toughness @IndianaFootball pic.twitter.com/Yt7PXPdEH8
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) January 20, 2026
Fernando Mendoza throwing arm. Championship toughness @IndianaFootball pic.twitter.com/Yt7PXPdEH8
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) January 20, 2026