Fernando Mendoza of Indiana captured the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, marking the first time a Hoosier has earned the award since 1935. The 23‑year‑old quarterback received 2,362 first‑place votes, outpacing Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin. His performance helped Indiana reach the top ranking and the top seed in the 12‑team College Football playoff bracket. The Hoosiers, the last unbeaten team in major college football, will face the Rose Bowl on January 1.
Mendoza entered the season as Indiana’s first‑year starter after transferring from California. He led a high‑powered offense that broke program records for touchdowns and points during the team’s surprise run to the CFP. The quarterback’s 2,980 passing yards and 33 touchdown passes set a national best, while his six rushing scores added to the team’s scoring arsenal. His leadership earned him the Associated Press player of the year award earlier this week.
With 2,362 first‑place votes, Mendoza finished well ahead of the next candidate, Diego Pavia, who garnered 1,435 votes. Pavia, a 6‑ft‑tall quarterback from Vanderbilt, also had a standout season but could not overcome Mendoza’s dominance. The votes reflected the national consensus that Mendoza’s dual‑role contributions were unmatched. His performance cemented his status as the most valuable player in college football that season.
Mendoza is the second Heisman finalist in Indiana history, following 1989 runner‑up Anthony Thompson. He is also the seventh Hoosier to finish in the top‑10 of Heisman balloting, making it the first time the program has had consecutive top‑10 finishes. Indiana’s previous top‑10 player, Kurtis Rourke, finished ninth last year. This streak highlights the school’s growing prominence in college football.
Quarterbacks have claimed the Heisman four of the last five years, a trend that ended last season with Colorado’s Travis Hunter, a two‑way player. Mendoza’s win continues the quarterback dominance in the award’s recent history. The Heisman’s selection process considers both individual and team success, and Indiana’s national ranking contributed to Mendoza’s victory. The award’s prestige underscores the significance of his achievement.
The Heisman Trophy presentation followed a series of accolades already bestowed upon Mendoza. He received the Maxwell Award and the Davey O’Brien Award on Friday night, solidifying his status as the nation’s best quarterback. Additionally, the Associated Press named him player of the year earlier that week. These honors collectively emphasize his impact on the field.
Mendoza’s 33 passing touchdowns were the most in the country, and his 2,980 yards placed him among the elite passers of the season. His six rushing touchdowns demonstrated his versatility and threat in the run game. The combination of passing and rushing production set a new standard for Indiana quarterbacks. His performance will be remembered as a defining moment in the program’s history.
Indiana’s season culminated in a No. 1 ranking, the first time the program has reached the top spot in the AP Top 25. The Hoosiers’ undefeated record earned them the top seed in the 12‑team playoff bracket. Their offensive output set new program records for both touchdowns and points. The team’s success was driven by a balanced attack featuring both passing and rushing.
With 2,980 passing yards, Mendoza’s aerial attack was a key factor in the team’s offensive dominance. The 33 touchdown passes were a national best, contributing to the high‑scoring games. Indiana’s defense also played a crucial role, limiting opponents to modest yardage. Together, the offense and defense created a formidable force.
The Hoosiers’ final record of 12‑0 remains the last unbeaten team in major college football. Their performance secured a spot in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. The playoff appearance was a milestone for the program, as it had never before reached this level. Indiana’s success has drawn national attention to the school’s football program.
Indiana’s top seed in the playoff bracket placed them in the Rose Bowl against the opponent selected by the committee. The Rose Bowl is one of the most prestigious bowl games in college football. The game will be played on January 1, adding to the significance of the matchup. Indiana’s fans are eager to see their team compete on the national stage.
The Hoosiers’ offensive strategy relied heavily on Mendoza’s dual‑threat capability. His ability to move the ball on the ground and through the air created matchup problems for defenses. The offensive line’s protection allowed Mendoza to extend plays and make accurate throws. The team’s balanced attack made it difficult for opponents to focus on a single aspect of the game.
Indiana’s coaching staff emphasized a high‑tempo, pass‑heavy offense while maintaining a solid running game. The team’s defensive scheme focused on aggressive pass rush and disciplined coverage. The combination of offensive and defensive strategies contributed to the team’s undefeated record. The coaching staff’s approach has been praised by analysts and fans alike.
Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt set a school record with 3,192 passing yards and 27 touchdowns during the season. The 6‑ft‑tall quarterback led the Commodores to their first 10‑win season. Vanderbilt’s record included six victories over SEC opponents, including four wins against ranked teams. Pavia’s performance earned him recognition as Vanderbilt’s first Heisman finalist.
Pavia’s journey began as an unrecruited high‑school player who moved through junior college and New Mexico State before transferring to Vanderbilt in 2024. He entered the transfer portal after a coaching change at his previous school. Pavia’s perseverance and development earned him a starting role at Vanderbilt. His success demonstrates the impact of the transfer portal on player careers.
Standing at 6 feet tall, Pavia’s physical presence helped him dominate in the passing game. He guided Vanderbilt to a 10‑win season, the first of its kind in the program’s history. The team’s success was highlighted by victories over multiple SEC teams. Pavia’s leadership contributed to the Commodores’ strong performance.
Pavia described himself as “a chip on the shoulder guy,” reflecting his competitive mindset. He also faced legal challenges, playing a fourth Division I season under a preliminary injunction as he challenged NCAA eligibility rules. Pavia contended that his junior college years should not count against eligibility, citing potential losses in earnings from name, image, and likeness deals. His stance highlights ongoing debates over player compensation.
Vanderbilt’s ranking reached No. 9 during the season, the highest AP Top 25 placement since 1937. The Commodores’ record included four wins over ranked opponents, a notable achievement for the program. Pavia’s performance helped Vanderbilt achieve a historic ranking. The team’s success has attracted attention from fans and analysts.
Vanderbilt will face Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31. The bowl game will determine the final outcome of Vanderbilt’s season. The matchup offers an opportunity for the Commodores to display their talent on a national stage. Fans anticipate a competitive contest between the two programs.
Julian Sayin of Ohio State threw for 3,329 yards and tied for second in the country with 31 touchdown passes during the season. His performance helped the Buckeyes maintain a No. 1 ranking for most of the year. Sayin’s statistics included a 14‑7 win over preseason No. 1 Texas in the season opener. The Buckeyes’ success secured a spot in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl on December 31.
Sayin is a sophomore from Carlsbad, California, who arrived at Ohio State after initially committing to Alabama and entering the transfer portal following a coaching change. He played only four games last season before earning the starting job. Sayin’s leadership on the field helped the Buckeyes remain atop the AP Top 25 for 13 consecutive weeks. His performance has drawn praise from coaches and analysts.
Sayin became only the second BCS quarterback in the last 40 years to record three games in a season with at least 300 passing yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions, and an 80% completion rate. The other quarterback achieving this feat was West Virginia’s Geno Smith in 2012. Sayin’s consistency demonstrates his skill as a passer. The statistics highlight his ability to perform under pressure.
Sayin follows a strong lineage of Ohio State quarterbacks since coach Ryan Day’s arrival in 2017. His predecessors, including Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, C.J. Stroud, and Kyle McCord, averaged 3,927 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 68.9% completion rate during their first seasons. Sayin’s performance continues this tradition of high‑level play. The Buckeyes’ quarterback program remains one of the most productive in the country.
The Buckeyes’ offensive scheme relied on a balanced attack featuring both the passing and running game. Sayin’s ability to extend plays with his legs added a dynamic element to the offense. The offensive line’s protection allowed Sayin to make accurate throws. The team’s offensive strategy contributed to the Buckeyes’ success.
Ohio State’s defensive scheme focused on aggressive pass rush and disciplined coverage. The defense’s performance complemented the offense’s high output. The combination of offensive and defensive strategies helped the Buckeyes maintain their No. 1 ranking. The coaching staff’s approach has been praised for its effectiveness.
Jeremiyah Love, a junior running back from St. Louis, had an outstanding season for Notre Dame. He ranked fourth in the BCS in rushing yards with 1,372 and fifth in per‑game average with 114.3. Love also recorded 18 rushing touchdowns, placing him third in the division. The Fighting Irish’s performance was strong despite missing a CFP bid.
Love was the first player in Notre Dame history to produce multiple 90‑plus yard rushing runs, including a 98‑yard run against Indiana in the first round of last year’s playoffs. He also had a 94‑yard run against Boston College earlier this season. These explosive plays showcased Love’s ability to break through defenses. His performance earned him the Doak Walker Award.
Love’s highlights included maintaining balance while hurdling defenders, spinning out of tackles, and rolling off opponents. He partnered with Jadarian Price to form one of the season’s top running back duos. The duo’s success helped first‑time starter C.J. Carr emerge as one of the nation’s best young quarterbacks. The collaboration demonstrated the depth of Notre Dame’s offense.
Love’s rushing yardage contributed significantly to Notre Dame’s offensive production. His 18 touchdowns added to the team’s scoring totals. The Fighting Irish opted not to play in a bowl game despite their strong season. Fans and analysts noted Love’s impact on the program.
Love’s performance highlighted the importance of the running game in Notre Dame’s offensive strategy. His ability to find open space and gain yardage made him a key contributor. The running game’s effectiveness complemented the team’s passing attack. Love’s season will be remembered for its consistency and explosiveness.
Love’s accolades included the Doak Walker Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top running back. His achievements added to Notre Dame’s storied football history. The award underscores his impact on the field. Love’s legacy will be celebrated by the program.
Mendoza’s Heisman win followed a series of awards that had already been bestowed upon him. He was named the Associated Press player of the year earlier that week. The Maxwell Award and the Davey O’Brien Award were presented to him on Friday night. These honors solidified his status as the nation’s most valuable player.
Love’s Doak Walker Award highlighted his status as the nation’s top running back. The award recognized his outstanding rushing performance throughout the season. Love’s accolades added to Notre Dame’s prestige. His achievement was celebrated by the university and its supporters.
The Heisman Trophy’s selection process includes votes from media members and former winners. Mendoza’s 2,362 first‑place votes reflected a broad consensus among voters. The award’s prestige underscores the significance of his achievement. The voting results were announced on Saturday night.
Quarterbacks have dominated the Heisman in recent years, winning four of the last five awards. Colorado’s Travis Hunter ended the quarterback streak last season, but the trend remains strong. The award’s history shows a preference for quarterbacks in the modern game. Mendoza’s win continues this pattern.
The Maxwell Award recognizes the best all‑American player, while the Davey O’Brien Award honors the best college quarterback. Mendoza’s receipt of both awards demonstrates his excellence in both passing and overall play. These accolades complement his Heisman victory. The combination of awards highlights his impact on the field.
The Heisman Trophy presentation took place after the award ceremony and other recognitions. Mendoza’s performance was celebrated by fans and media alike. The ceremony highlighted his contributions to Indiana’s success. The event marked a historic moment for the Hoosier program.
Indiana will face the Rose Bowl on January 1 as the top seed in the College Football Playoff. The Rose Bowl is one of the most prestigious bowl games in college football. The game will feature Indiana against the opponent selected by the committee. The matchup will be a showcase of the program’s success.
Vanderbilt will play Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31. The bowl game will determine the final outcome of Vanderbilt’s season. The matchup offers an opportunity for the Commodores to display their talent on a national stage. Fans anticipate a competitive contest between the two programs.
Ohio State will compete in the Cotton Bowl on December 31 as part of the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. The Buckeyes’ opponent will be selected by the playoff committee. The game will determine which team advances to the national championship. Ohio State’s performance in the Cotton Bowl will be closely watched.
Notre Dame’s season ended without a bowl appearance, as the Fighting Irish opted not to play in a bowl game. The decision came after a strong season that included a 12‑0 record for Indiana. The lack of a bowl game left fans disappointed. The program will reflect on its performance for the future.
The bowl games of the week will feature teams from across the country, each with unique stories and achievements. The matchups provide a platform for teams to showcase their talent and secure national recognition. The outcomes will influence rankings and future schedules. The bowl season will continue to excite fans and analysts alike.
Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman win marks a historic first for Indiana, ending a 90‑year drought for the program. His dual‑threat performance, with 33 passing touchdowns and six rushing scores, set national standards. The victory highlights Indiana’s rise in college football.
Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia achieved a school record with 3,192 passing yards and led the Commodores to their first 10‑win season, earning him Heisman finalist status. Pavia’s journey from an unrecruited high‑school player to a top‑tier quarterback illustrates the impact of the transfer portal. His leadership helped Vanderbilt reach a historic ranking of No. 9.
Julian Sayin’s 3,329 passing yards and 31 touchdowns kept Ohio State at the top of the rankings, while his consistency in high‑pressure games cemented his reputation. Sayin’s performance continues Ohio State’s tradition of producing elite quarterbacks under Coach Ryan Day. The Buckeyes’ success secured a spot in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal.
Jeremiyah Love’s 18 rushing touchdowns and 1,372 yards earned him the Doak Walker Award, underscoring his impact on Notre Dame’s offense. Love’s explosive plays, including a 98‑yard run against Indiana, showcased his ability to break through defenses. His season will be remembered for consistency and explosiveness.
The 2024 season showcased remarkable individual achievements and historic milestones for several programs. Mendoza’s Heisman victory, Pavia’s record season, and Love’s award‑winning performance illustrate the depth of talent across the country. These stories reflect the evolving landscape of college football, where transfers and dual‑role players can redefine team success. Fans and analysts will continue to watch these programs in the upcoming bowl season.
Indiana’s Rose Bowl appearance, Vanderbilt’s ReliaQuest Bowl game, and Ohio State’s Cotton Bowl quarterfinal will provide a showcase for the teams that made the most impact this year. Notre Dame’s decision to forego a bowl game leaves a question mark over the program’s next steps. The outcomes of these matchups will shape perceptions for the next season. The 2024 college football narrative remains as compelling as ever.
