Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza celebrates national title with priests

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza had God in his heart and faith on his mind as he helped the team to its first college football national championship on Monday night.

Mendoza may have needed some divine intervention against the Miami Hurricanes as he was bruised and battered throughout the night. He helped the Hoosiers extend their lead when he ran the ball into the end zone on 4th down about midway through the fourth. He leaped from the 2-yard line and did a full-body stretch to get the ball across the goal line.

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Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Through it all, he gave “glory to God” in his postgame interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe.

Furthermore, Mendoza had the outstanding performance in front of two pastors from the campus of Indiana University. Father Patrick Hyde and Father Ben Keller of Saint Paul Church were among the thousands of Hoosiers fans in attendance.

ESPN caught them and Mendoza celebrating after the Hoosiers wrapped up the win.

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Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan. 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

“For this team, for this young man, and for this experience, I give thanks and glory to God!” Hyde wrote on X on Tuesday morning.

Mendoza was also seen hugging his family members on the field as Hoosiers players celebrated the 27-21 victory.

The Heisman Trophy winner has been open about his faith throughout the season.

The Indiana Hoosiers huddle during the fourth quarter of a game against the Miami Hurricanes in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan. 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

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“The only reason I’ve gotten to this point is because there’s so many different people helping me in my journey, and [the Saint Paul priests] have been one,” he said, via Church Leaders. “They’ve done so much to help me, whether it’s confession or just to be able to talk or just Mass every Sunday. So I really give a lot that I have accomplished this season to the Lord, and we give thanks to God.”

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