ESPN Deportes’ play-by-play of Fernando Mendoza’s touchdown might be the best sports call of the year originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza put together one of the most decorated seasons in modern college football history.
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The Heisman Trophy winner led the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 record and the program’s first national championship, marking the first 16-win season in the sport in 132 years.
What nearly got lost in the aftermath of one of college football’s most memorable seasons was perhaps the call of the year.
Mendoza delivered one of the defining moments of the College Football Playoff title game in Miami Gardens. Facing fourth and 5 in the fourth quarter, he kept the ball on a quarterback draw, slipped past multiple defenders and dove into the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown that pushed Indiana’s lead to two scores.
As Miami threatened late, the moment was brought to life on ESPN Deportes, with announcers Eduardo Varela and Pablo Viruega delivering an electric Spanish-language call that quickly circulated across social media.
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Their passion captured the stakes and significance of the play as Mendoza etched his name into college football history.
More: Curt Cignetti slams Big 12 refs over Miami’s ‘dirty’ play in title game
Mendoza’s rise has been rapid since transferring from California before the 2025 season. Under coach Curt Cignetti, he threw for 3,535 yards and an Indiana record 41 touchdowns while completing 72 percent of his passes.
More: Michael Irvin faces backlash after CFP title game
Mendoza is widely projected as the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with the Las Vegas Raiders often mentioned as a potential destination.
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