Fernando Mendoza of Indiana bloodied after big blow

Indiana Hoosiers star quarterback Fernando Mendoza took a big hit in the first quarter of the national championship game against the Miami Hurricanes on Monday.

Mendoza passed the ball to his running back and approached the Miami defenders, pretending to block. However, Mendoza bit off a little more than he could chew.

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Hurricanes defensive back Jakobe Thomas ran into Mendoza and tackled the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback. Mendoza fell and the ESPN broadcast showed him bleeding from his lip.

College football fans wondered if Thomas avoided a penalty on the play. Apparently Thomas hit Mendoza with the crown of his helmet. The referees on the field did not catch it and the advance continued.

TRUMP ARRIVES AT THE INDIANA-MIAMI COLLEGE FOOTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza passes against Miami during the first half of the College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Mendoza is used to taking big hits. He took a big hit earlier in the season against Iowa and tied it on the first play of the game against Ohio State. He stayed in the game both times and the Hoosiers won.

Indiana’s scoring began later in the first quarter with a field goal. Then, with about 6:13 left in the second quarter, Mendoza drove the Hoosiers down the field and handed the ball to Riley Nowakowski to hit. The Hoosiers had a 10-0 lead at the time.

Indiana takes the field against Miami before the College Football Playoff national championship game between Miami and Indiana, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

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If the result holds, Indiana will celebrate its first college football national championship.