MIAMI — A historic season for Fernando Mendoza concluded with a national title, marking a defining moment in his career. Despite not having his best statistical performance in the championship game, Mendoza proved once again that he can deliver when it matters most.

Mendoza completed 16 of 27 passes for 186 yards and carried the ball six times, including a crucial 12-yard touchdown run. While his passing numbers were modest, his leadership and determination shone through during key moments in the game.

The offensive momentum for Indiana slowed significantly in the third quarter, with the Hoosiers punting three times. Mendoza had zero passing yards and was sacked three times. However, early in the fourth quarter, the Hurricanes narrowed the deficit to just three points after Mark Fletcher Jr. scored on a 3-yard rushing play.

But Mendoza was far from done. He led the Hoosiers on a 12-play, 75-yard drive that showcased his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. He converted two critical fourth downs, first by completing a 19-yard reception to Charlie Becker on a 4th-and-5, and then by running the ball in for a 12-yard touchdown on a 4th-and-4.

The touchdown was anything but easy. Jakobe Thomas and Wesley Bissainthe collided with Mendoza hard enough to nearly knock him over. However, he managed to catch himself with his hand. With Ahmad Moten Sr. closing in, along with Mohamed Toure and Xavier Lucas, 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 kind of play has been a hallmark of Mendoza’s season. Known as a pocket passer, he has shown an unexpected ability to navigate through defenses on foot. This season, he averaged 3.4 yards per carry and has rushed for seven touchdowns, including in the title game.

Coach Curt Cignetti revealed that the play leading to the touchdown was specifically designed for this game. “We put it in for this game,” Cignetti said after Indiana secured 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 their next drive, but Mendoza quickly answered. He found Becker for a near-identical 19-yard catch on a critical third down, extending the drive long enough for Indiana to convert a 35-yard field goal and take a 27-21 lead.

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

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 drafted first overall.