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Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza had God in his heart and faith in his mind as he helped the team to its first college football national championship Monday night.
Mendoza may have needed divine intervention against the Miami Hurricanes as he was bruised and battered overnight. 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 jumped from the 2-yard line and made 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)
Through it all, 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 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 celebrated after the Hoosiers wrapped up the win.
INDIANA WINS NATIONAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP IN TROOPS 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 on X on Tuesday morning.
Mendoza was also seen hugging his family members on the court as the Hoosiers players celebrated the 27-21 win.
The Heisman Trophy winner has been open about his faith throughout the season.
The Indiana Hoosiers huddle during the fourth quarter of a 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 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 are so many different people helping me on my journey and [the Saint Paul priests] has been one,” he said via church leaders. “They’ve done so much to help me, whether it’s confession or just being able to speak or just going to Mass every Sunday. So I really give a lot that I have achieved this season to the Lord and we thank God.”
