MIAMI — A historic season for Fernando Mendoza came to a dramatic and unforgettable conclusion with a national title. The Heisman Trophy winner may not have had his most statistically impressive game of the year, but he delivered when it mattered most.

Mendoza completed 16 of 27 passes for 186 yards and rushed the ball six times, including a crucial 12-yard touchdown run that helped shift the momentum in Indiana’s favor. However, the offensive momentum for the Hoosiers slowed in the third quarter, leading to three punts. Mendoza was held to zero passing yards and was sacked three times during that stretch.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Hurricanes managed to cut their deficit to just three points after a 3-yard rushing score by Mark Fletcher Jr. But that’s when Mendoza showed why he’s one of the best players in college football.

He led the Hoosiers on a 12-play, 75-yard drive that showcased his leadership and ability to perform under pressure. Mendoza converted two critical fourth downs, including a 19-yard reception from Charlie Becker on a 4th-and-5. Just minutes later, he ran the ball in for a 12-yard touchdown on a 4th-and-4.

The play was anything but easy. Jakobe Thomas and Wesley Bissainthe collided with Mendoza hard enough to nearly knock him over. But he caught himself using his hand. With Ahmad Moten Sr. closing in, and Mohamed Toure and Xavier Lucas also in pursuit, the 6-foot-5 quarterback used every inch of his height to arch over into the end zone.

“I’ll die for my team,” Mendoza said. “Whatever they need me to do, they need me to take a shot to the front or back, I’m going to die for my team out there because I know they’ll do the same thing for me. That’s what makes this national championship so special.”

This type of performance has been a hallmark of Mendoza’s season. Known as a pocket passer, he has shown an unexpected ability to move through defenses on the ground. This season, he averaged 3.4 yards per carry and has rushed for seven touchdowns, including the one in the title game.

Coach Curt Cignetti revealed that this specific play was designed for this game. “We put it in for this game,” Cignetti said after Indiana claimed its first national title. “It was a quarterback draw, but it was blocked differently. And we rolled the dice and said they’re going to be in (the same defense) again. We blocked it well, he broke a tackle or two and got into the end zone.”

The Hurricanes responded with a touchdown on the next drive, but Mendoza quickly answered. He found Becker for a near-identical 19-yard catch on a critical third down. This extended the drive long enough for Indiana to convert a 35-yard field goal, giving them a 27-21 lead.

On the following drive, Jamari Sharpe intercepted Miami quarterback Carson Beck, sealing the victory for the Hoosiers.

Mendoza’s performance was witnessed by several high-profile figures, including Raiders owner Mark Davis, general manager John Spytek, and minority owner Tom Brady, all in attendance at Hard Rock Stadium. If the Raiders use their No. 1 pick on Mendoza, he would become the sixth quarterback to win the Heisman, a national championship, and be selected first overall in the NFL draft.

This season has been nothing short of extraordinary for Mendoza, and his final game proved why he is one of the most valuable players in college football.