Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza bloodied after big hit

Indiana Hoosiers star quarterback Fernando Mendoza was on the receiving end of a huge hit in the first quarter of the national championship game against the Miami Hurricanes on Monday.

Mendoza handed off the ball to his running back and went up to the Miami defenders and pretended to block. But Mendoza bit off a bit more than he could chew.

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

College football fans wondered if Thomas avoided a scoring penalty on the play. Thomas appeared to hit Mendoza with the crown of his helmet. The on-field officiating crew didn’t catch it and the drive 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 some big hits. He had a huge hit earlier this season against Iowa and was tied 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 led the Hoosiers down the field and handed the ball to Riley Nowakowski for the inbounds. The Hoosiers held 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 national championship in college football.