Jul 16, 2026, 3:40 PM CUT

Fernando Mendoza secures another achievement before making NFL debut

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 27 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602270030

Former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been living on a high after his national championship win in 2025. He has already won the Heisman Trophy and the Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year award. Now, Mendoza added one more prize to this collection.

Mendoza won the Best College Athlete in Men’s Sports at the 2026 ESPY Awards last Wednesday. ESPN College Football shared the snippets of Mendoza collecting his trophy at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City on their X handle.

"Thank you, everybody," said Mendoza. "Such a blessing to be here. First of all wanna give all the glory to God. Football is the ultimate team sport...it belongs to so many people. I want to give a huge thanks to my family, my coaches, and my beloved Hoosier nation. And most importantly, out of all of them, my beloved teammates..."

January 19, 2026: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza 15 during NCAA, College League, USA football game action between the Miami Hurricanes and the Indiana Hoosiers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. /CSM. Miami Gardens United States of America - ZUMAc04_ 20260119_zma_c04_341 Copyright: xJohnxMersitsx

The College Football X post showed the same "my team before me" mindset from Mendoza that we are so used to seeing. His stellar last season saw him make 3,535 yards and 41 TDs, propelling Indiana to its maiden championship.

His heroics compelled the Las Vegas Raiders to make the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

As per NFL writer Conor Banks, Mendoza became the second Hoosier player to win this honor. Former Indiana basketball player Christian Watford won the first one in 2012.

Mendoza's career is seeing him go through a purple patch right now. Not just trophies, but the young quarterback is also getting the 'pat on the back' from the great Tom Brady himself.

Fernando Mendoza gets love from an NFL legend

Fernando Mendoza's work ethic and maturity have impressed many. One of them is the six-time Super Bowl winner, Tom Brady himself. The Hall of Fame quarterback has nothing but respect for Fernando and also a subtle warning before he embarks on his NFL career.

Speaking with Liz Claman on FOX Business' "The Claman Countdown," Brady had his own take on things.

"Well, I love Fernando, but Fernando is like every other young rookie," Brady said. "He's got to go out there and earn it like everybody else... none of these young players, none of the rookies have ever had a meaningful snap in the NFL."

This isn't the first time Brady has praised Mendoza. Early in January this year, Brady had also given props to Mendoza on his college success. Speaking on "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," Brady had called Mendoza a very "mature young man" with "a bright future."

Mendoza is taking all the right steps before his NFL debut. He will begin his NFL regular season career against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13 in Las Vegas.

Do you think Mendoza will get game time in that fixture? Let us know through your comments.

Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote