Indiana's Fernando Mendoza Reflects on Heroic Diving Touchdown: 'I'd Die for My Team'

Fernando Mendoza delivered a moment for the ages in front of his friends and family, securing a national championship for the Indiana Hoosiers in the biggest game of his collegiate career. The 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, also saw notable attendees including President Donald Trump, Ivanka, and Kai.

On a crucial 4th-and-5 play, Mendoza took the snap and ran it up the gut. He bounced off several Miami Hurricanes defenders, launched himself from the 2-yard line, and stretched out his hands to push the ball over the goal line, taking a battering as he fell into the end zone.

This incredible play put Indiana up 24-14 with just 6:32 remaining, and the Hoosiers ultimately won the game, 27-21.

"That’s one thing about our team," Mendoza told ESPN’s Holly Rowe after the game. "We’re always going to put it all on the line. I want to give all the glory and thanks to God. My offensive linemen blocked perfectly and we were able to execute as a team toward a common goal. Have the Indiana Hoosier synergy to score and to give our team a chance to win the game."

Mendoza continued, "I had to go airborne. I’d die for my team. Whatever they need me to do. They need me to take shots in the front or the back, whatever it is, I’m gonna die for my team out there and I know they’re going to do the same for me. That’s what makes us so close. That’s what makes the national championship so special."

Despite being bloodied in the first quarter after a huge hit to his face, Mendoza finished the game 16-of-27 for 186 passing yards, in addition to his crucial rushing touchdown.

"He’s so tough," Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti told ESPN’s Molly McGrath. "He got hit. He had no time. He keeps getting back up. Just a great competitor and there’s no way this gets done without that kind of performance at that position. I can’t say enough great things about him."

The Indiana Hoosiers made history by becoming the first team in college football to finish 16-0 since Yale achieved the feat in 1894.