Fans are split on whether Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza deserves to win the Heisman Trophy this year. At first glance, his basic stats seem to work against him.
How Does Fernando Mendoza Fair in Impact Grades?
Compared to the last five QBs to win the Heisman:
- Jayden Daniels: 4,946 yards & 50 TDs
- Caleb Williams: 4,914 yards & 52 TDs
- Bryce Young: 4,872 yards & 47 TDs
- Joe Burrow: 6,039 yards & 65 TDs
- Kyler Murray: 5,362 yards & 54 TDs
Mendoza’s totals, 2,857 yards and 35 touchdowns, look modest in comparison. But raw totals don’t tell the full story. A closer examination using advanced metrics from PFSN reveals a significantly different picture.
Mendoza’s QB impact score currently sits at 95.8, higher than Jayden Daniels (92.7), Caleb Williams (90.7), Bryce Young (84.8), and Joe Burrow (91.9) in their respective Heisman-winning seasons. He boasts a 73% completion rate, only 5 interceptions, 9.2 net yards per attempt, and 240 passing yards per game. He has also added 5 rushing touchdowns, highlighting his dual-threat ability.
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Significantly, these numbers are based on just 11 games; Mendoza still has one more regular-season game, a conference title, and playoff games ahead. Many previous winners compiled stats over 13–14 games, inflating their totals compared to Mendoza.
Efficiency Matters
Mendoza’s efficiency sets him apart. His high completion rate and strong yards per attempt show he’s not merely “dinking and dunking” the ball; he’s making impactful plays and stretching defenses vertically.
Indiana’s team currently has an offensive impact grade of 93.0, ranking in the top three nationally in 2025, and has already clinched the Big Ten title and a CFP playoff berth. Mendoza’s leadership has been central to that success.
Team Impact Grades
Examining the team’s offensive impact grades during the Heisman-winning seasons of previous quarterbacks provides more context. Jayden Daniels’ LSU team had a grade of 91.9, Caleb Williams’ USC team was 91.8, Bryce Young’s Alabama team was 86.4, and Joe Burrow’s LSU team was 91.5.
While Kyler Murray’s 2018 Oklahoma grade isn’t available, these numbers serve as a benchmark. Indiana’s 93.0 team grade is the highest among all these examples, highlighting Mendoza’s overall impact on the game and his team, an influence that goes far beyond traditional statistics.
It’s also worth noting that many of Mendoza’s games saw Indiana leading comfortably, resulting in more running plays and Mendoza being benched in the fourth quarter. These factors naturally suppress cumulative stats but do not diminish his impact on the field.
Mendoza is Worthy
Judging Mendoza solely by total yards and touchdowns is misleading. His efficiency, leadership, team success, and advanced metrics all make him fully deserving of serious Heisman consideration.
The last five winners were all worthy, but dismissing Mendoza because his raw totals aren’t as high misses the bigger picture. He’s doing exactly what a quarterback should: executing his team’s strategy, winning games, and delivering in high-stakes moments.
So, to sum it up, Fernando Mendoza is elevating his entire team. That kind of player is precisely what the Heisman Trophy is meant to honor.
