Former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel wasn’t shy about taking a swipe at Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza after the Hoosiers’ 13-10 win over Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game. He doesn’t appear particularly impressed with this year’s Heisman favorite.
Mendoza delivered the defining play of the night with a 33-yard strike to Charlie Becker in the final minutes, a clutch third-down throw that helped seal Indiana’s first Big Ten title since 1967. It likely will secure the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. Many observers labeled it a “Heisman moment.” Manziel strongly disagreed.
“We got basic fade routes being called Heisman moments now … I’ve really seen it all. Congrats to Indiana though that’s a hell of a win,” Manziel posted on X.
We got basic fade routes being called Heisman moments now… I’ve really seen it all. Congrats to Indiana though that’s a hell of a win
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) December 7, 2025
The former Texas A&M star argued that Mendoza’s completion lacked the individual brilliance that once defined the award, noting that the throw-and-catch were relatively straightforward compared to his own highlight-reel resume.
Manziel overlooked the stakes for Indiana. Mendoza trusted his arm on third down deep in his own territory and placed the ball perfectly. An incompletion likely hands Ohio State prime field position with plenty of time to tie or win the game. Instead, Indiana drained the clock and punted with only 18 seconds left.
Mendoza finished 15 of 23 for 222 yards, a touchdown and an interception and was named the game’s MVP. His performance also strengthened his Heisman case. Something Manziel, a close friend of Vanderbilt contender Diego Pavia, may be less than eager to endorse.
Nonetheless, there’s no denying Mendoza’s impact and the fact he’ll likely be a finalist in New York and a favorite to be Indiana’s first-ever winner.
