Cal QB Fernando Mendoza Wins 2025 Heisman Trophy

NEW YORK — California quarterback Fernando Mendoza has won the 91st Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player in program history to claim college football’s most prestigious individual award.

Mendoza, who led the Golden Bears to a resurgence in their second year in the ACC, received 1,987 points, narrowly defeating Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty (1,750 points) and Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter (1,400 points).

“This is for everyone in Berkeley who believed,” Mendoza said during his acceptance speech, surrounded by his offensive line. “We talked about changing the culture, and we did it together.”

A Season to Remember

Mendoza’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of spectacular. The junior signal-caller threw for 4,100 yards and 38 touchdowns, adding another 600 yards and 8 scores on the ground.

His signature moment came in late October, when he orchestrated a 4th-quarter comeback to defeat then-No. 4 Miami in Coral Gables, snapping the Hurricanes' unbeaten streak. He followed that up with a 400-yard performance against Florida State.

Breaking Barriers

Mendoza is the first Cal player to win the award, joining a lineage of finalists that includes Chuck Muncie (1975) and Aaron Rodgers (ignominiously snubbed in voting, but a legend nonetheless).

The victory also marks a significant milestone for the ACC, which has seen a resurgence in quarterback play since the realignment.

Final Voting

1. Fernando Mendoza (QB, Cal): 1,987 points
2. Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State): 1,750 points
3. Travis Hunter (WR/DB, Colorado): 1,400 points
4. Jalen Milroe (QB, Alabama): 850 points