Fernando Mendoza pulls off unseen Joe Burrow achievement in College Football playoff era

Fernando Mendoza has etched his name into college football history after achieving something only one other quarterback had managed in the College Football Playoff era. With Indiana’s 27-21 win over Miami in the national championship game, Mendoza completed a perfect season and matched a rare feat previously achieved by Joe Burrow in 2019.

The Hoosiers finished the season 16-0, becoming the first team to win 16 games in a single year under the expanded playoff format. More importantly, Mendoza lifted both the Heisman Trophy and the national championship in the same undefeated season, a combination that had not been seen since Burrow led LSU to glory six years ago.

A historic season for Indiana

Indiana’s title run was already special, as it marked the first national championship in the program’s 127-year history. Under head coach Curt Cignetti the team showed balance all year, with a strong defense and a steady offense. But Mendoza was the heart of it all.



The quarterback guided Indiana through a tough playoff schedule and stayed calm in big moments. In the final against Miami, he did not post huge passing numbers, but he made the plays that mattered. His 12-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter gave Indiana breathing space and proved his ability to deliver under pressure.

By the end of the night, Mendoza joined a very small group of players who won the Heisman and the national title in the same year while finishing unbeaten.

Fernando Mendoza joins elite list led by Joe Burrow

Since the College Football Playoff began in 2014, only one quarterback had achieved this rare double before Mendoza. That player was Joe Burrow, who led LSU to a perfect 15-0 season in 2019 while also winning the Heisman Trophy.


Other Heisman winners have won titles, but very few have done both in the same unbeaten season. Running back Derrick Henry in 2015 and wide receiver DeVonta Smith in 2020 also managed the double, but they were not quarterbacks.

Before the playoff era, legends like Cam Newton, Jameis Winston, and Matt Leinart had similar achievements. But the longer playoff schedule makes Mendoza’s run even more impressive.



Not everyone is ready to place Mendoza in the same class as Burrow. NFL star Micah Parsons publicly said comparisons should stop, reminding fans how dominant LSU’s 2019 team was.

Still numbers and trophies tell their own story. Mendoza finished the season as a Heisman winner, an undefeated national champion, and the leader of a team that made history.

Now attention turns to the NFL Draft. With Tom Brady and Raiders owner Mark Davis watching from the stands, many believe Mendoza could be the No. 1 overall pick.

For Indiana fans the season will be remembered forever. For Mendoza, it may just be the beginning of a very special career.



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