Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza strengthened his lead in the On3 Heisman Trophy Poll after another dominant Week 12 showing. A panel of national analysts unanimously recognizes his efficiency, leadership, and role in Indiana’s 11–0 season. With elite production and unmatched consistency, Mendoza now firmly controls the Heisman race.

On3 Heisman Trophy Poll: Fernando Mendoza Strengthens His Grip on the Race After Week 12

With just two weeks remaining in the college football regular season, the Heisman Trophy race is sharpening into focus and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza continues to stand clearly at the front. After taking over the top spot in the On3 Heisman Trophy Poll last week, Mendoza delivered another brilliant performance in Week 12, cementing his status as the frontrunner for college football’s most prestigious individual award.

Each week, On3 surveys a panel of national experts to track the pulse of the Heisman race. The voters Andy Staples, Ari Wasserman, Chris Low, Brett McMurphy, Pete Nakos, JD PicKell, and Charles Power submit individual top-ten ballots. Points are assigned based on placement, with 10 points for first place, nine for second, and continuing downward. After compiling the ballots from Week 12, one thing was clear: Mendoza is in complete command.

With 67 total points, the Indiana quarterback remains on top of the leaderboard, once again receiving the majority of first-place votes from analysts who have watched his consistency, precision, and leadership elevate the Hoosiers into one of the most surprising stories in college football.

Fernando Mendoza: A Star in Complete Control

Mendoza’s Week 12 outing was almost flawless. Facing a Wisconsin team that had started to regain momentum, he delivered yet another surgical performance, completing 22 of 24 passes for 299 yards and four touchdowns. The efficiency over 90% completion further solidified the narrative around him: he’s not just productive, he’s exceptionally reliable and in total command of Indiana’s offense.

Indiana advanced to 11-0, a stunning achievement for a program that entered the season with minimal national expectations. But Mendoza has transformed the Hoosiers into a balanced, explosive, and resilient team capable of beating opponents in multiple ways.

The junior quarterback now sits at:

• 2,641 passing yards
• 30 passing touchdowns
• 5 interceptions
• 216 rushing yards
• 5 rushing touchdowns

Those numbers place him among the nation’s elite in both production and efficiency. What stands out most isn’t just the raw totals it’s the calm, deliberate control he brings to every possession. Whether the Hoosiers are pushing tempo, attacking vertically, or grinding out long drives, Mendoza has consistently made the right reads and delivered on time.

Through 12 weeks, he has shown a complete mastery of Indiana’s offense, and his dual-threat capability keeps defenses off balance. When the moments get tight, Mendoza rarely forces throws or makes risky decisions. Instead, he looks like one of the most poised quarterbacks in the country, turning potential chaos into rhythm.

The Analysts Agree: The Heisman Is His to Lose

The structure of the On3 poll makes movement at the top difficult without truly game-altering performances, and Mendoza has provided more than enough stability to stave off challengers. Week after week, the analysts have rewarded his consistency, his ability to elevate Indiana, and his remarkable efficiency.

This was not always expected. Early in the season, the Heisman conversation centered on more established names quarterbacks from perennial playoff contenders or transfer stars generating offseason hype. But as the weeks progressed, Mendoza’s performances became undeniable. By midseason, he was already climbing near the top of ballots. By Week 11, he finally seized the No. 1 spot.

Now, after Week 12, he appears to be separating himself.

While the full rankings will continue to shift as contenders rise and fall, the gap Mendoza has built positions him as the most complete and consistently excellent player in the country. Analysts have praised his blend of decision-making, accuracy, leadership, and underrated mobility. More importantly, they’ve recognized how central he is to Indiana’s unexpected playoff push.

Indiana’s Historic Run Fueling His Case

Indiana has not been in the national spotlight like this in decades. Mendoza has guided the Hoosiers into uncharted territory, and as long as they keep winning, his Heisman case only grows stronger. Voters often reward elite players who elevate their programs beyond expectations, and Mendoza epitomizes that narrative.

With every win, the buzz amplifies. Indiana’s offense runs through him, and he’s met every challenge with a level of poise usually seen from quarterbacks leading powerhouse programs. His leadership has become one of the defining elements of Indiana’s season.

What Comes Next in the Heisman Race

With championship races looming and postseason positioning at stake, the final weeks will carry significant weight. Mendoza will have the opportunity to reinforce his lead or watch challengers surge. But based on the On3 Poll, he currently holds firm control over the Heisman conversation.

If he finishes the season the way he has played since Week 1 sharp, confident, and efficient No. 97 in crimson and cream may soon be calling himself the newest Heisman winner.