Fernando Mendoza named Big Ten Athlete of the Year
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 10, 2026, 5:21 PM
Last updated Jul 10, 2026
Fernando Mendoza, the top overall pick in the April NFL Draft, has been awarded the 2025-26 Big Ten Conference Jesse Owens Male Athlete of the Year. Mendoza, a former quarterback at Indiana University, led the Hoosiers to a flawless 16-0 season and their first national title in football. He also received the 2025 Heisman Trophy, marking him as the first player in Hoosiers history to earn this honor. As a rookie, he will join the Las Vegas Raiders, where he faces competition for the starting quarterback position from Kirk Cousins as training camp approaches.
- •Mendoza is the first Big Ten athlete to win the Heisman since 1997.
- •He achieved a unique trifecta: No. 1 pick, Heisman winner, national champion.
- •Mendoza led the nation in touchdown passes and passing efficiency in college.
- •Indiana's 16-0 season is the first in college football since 1894.
- 5:21 PMYahoo Sports — #1 Overall Pick Fernando Mendoza wins Big Ten Athlete of the Year
"The #1 overall pick in April's NFL Draft was just named the 2025-26 Big Ten Conference Jesse Owens Male Athlete of the Year.
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