Indiana Hoosiers lineman Jackson Lloyd (78) and quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) share congratulations after a touchdown pass from Mendoza to wide receiver Elijah Sarratt in the second half at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Thu Jan 1, 2026 (AP News photo)

Rose Bowl Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza guides Indiana to a 38-3 rout over Alabama, the Hoosiers’ first bowl win since 1991, and they are now on their way to the CFP semifinal berth against Oregon

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed 14 of 16 passes for 192 yards(87.5%), for three touchdowns, as Indiana routed Alabama 38-3. The Hoosiers’ first bowl win since 1991, and they are now on their way to the CFP semifinal berth against Oregon.

Always a big deal to beat Alabama, arguably the most prestigious as well as dominant college football program ever. They consistently have multiple players selected in the NFL Draft each year, with some years yielding significant first-round picks, and many NFL stars who played for Alabama, such as Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Thursday, Hurts’ team, the Eagles, is a strong contender (among the top 6) to win the upcoming Super Bowl.

Fernando Mendoza is the first Heisman winner of Cuban heritage; all four of his grandparents were born and raised in Cuba before moving to the US. Mondoza was born in Miami, Florida, and grew up immersed in the most vibrant Cuban community in the US.

As a Latino quarterback, he’s seen as an inspiration, bringing pride to the Hispanic community, particularly Cubans. In the Miami area, Mendoza is highly engaged with the community, consistently speaking with young Latinos about family, hard work, sacrifice, and other values.

He is seen as an inspiration to the Hispanic community. Other famous quarterbacks of Hispanic heritage include the following. Jim Plunkett is the most successful, won the Heisman Trophy and led the Oakland Raiders to two Super Bowl victories.

He was the first Hispanic starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl and the Super Bowl MVP Award. Tom Flores, Joe Capp, Jeff García, Tony Romo, and Mark Sánchez also made it to the NFL and they all had Latino roots. Attention Raiders fans: Fernando Mendoza has not declared his favorite NFL team (at least publicly).

Raiders fans hope he is drafted by them, as betting odds strongly favor him as the #1 pick for the Raiders in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. I believe it would be a strong move for the Raiders to select young Fernando Mendoza.

Let’s face it, the Raiders need all the help they can get. The whole organization needs a total overhaul. And it would not be a bad start if they pick this talented young man. There is hardly any doubt that the majority of the Raiders fans live here in the Bay Area. No team that moves from the Bay Area to Las Vegas can have a larger following in Las Vegas than here in Oakland.

Quote: “Gentlemen, it is better to have died a small boy than to fumble this football.” – Attributed to John Heisman, the trophy’s namesake, often used to emphasize ball security.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

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