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Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza had God in his heart and faith on his mind as he helped the team win its first college football national championship Monday night.
Mendoza may have needed some divine intervention against the Miami Hurricanes, as he was bruised and banged up all night. He helped the Hoosiers extend their lead when he ran the ball into the end zone on fourth down midway through the quarter. He jumped from the 2-yard line and did a full-body stretch to get the ball over 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)
Regardless, he gave “glory to God” in his postgame interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe.
In addition, Mendoza had the outstanding performance in front of two pastors from the Indiana University campus. 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 got the win.
INDIANA WINS NATIONAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP IN EXCITEMENT OVER MIAMI
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. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
“For this team, for this young man and for this experience, I give thanks and glory to God!” Hyde wrote in X on Tuesday morning.
Mendoza was also seen hugging family members on the field as Hoosiers players celebrated the 27-21 victory.
The Heisman Trophy winner has been open about his faith all 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 January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
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“The only reason I have reached this point is because there are many different people helping me on my journey, and [the Saint Paul priests] “They have been one,” he said, via Church Leaders. “They’ve done a lot to help me, whether it’s confession or just being able to talk or just mass every Sunday. So I really give the Lord a lot of what I’ve accomplished this season and we thank God.”
