Thu Jan 01 20:30:00 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the text:

Miami Native Fernando Mendoza Rides Underdog Story to Heisman Glory, Leads Indiana to Rose Bowl

MIAMI, FL – From being overlooked by major college football programs to becoming a Heisman Trophy winner and leading Indiana University to an undefeated season, Fernando Mendoza’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. The son of Cuban immigrants, Mendoza, 22, has defied the odds, guiding the Hoosiers to the top seed in the College Football Playoffs and a Rose Bowl showdown against powerhouse Alabama.

Coming out of Columbus High School in Miami, Mendoza was ranked a lowly 2,149th nationally. Despite his father’s football background and his mother’s tennis prowess, Mendoza received little interest from top programs. He faced rejection after rejection from SEC schools after he actively tried to recruit himself. A trip with his speed and conditioning coach Antonio Robinson brought no offers. His high school coach reached out to over 50 college contacts with no luck. Even a 4.86 GPA and heavy AP course load weren’t enough to sway recruiters.

He initially committed to Yale before accepting a last-minute offer from UC Berkeley. Mendoza starred for the Golden Bears, but a transfer to Indiana University last year propelled him to a new level. Under Coach Curt Cignetti, Mendoza transformed the Hoosiers into a national contender.

Mendoza credits his Cuban heritage and upbringing for his relentless work ethic and determination. His grandparents’ emigration from Cuba to seek a better life in the U.S. instilled in him a sense of gratitude and purpose. A 2019 missionary trip to Cuba with his grandparents further solidified his connection to his roots.

His journey has also been marked by personal challenges. Midway through high school, his mother, Elsa, revealed her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, inspiring Mendoza to even greater heights.

At the Heisman ceremony, Mendoza paid tribute to his family and heritage, speaking in Spanish to honor his grandparents. As mock drafts predict him as a potential No. 1 NFL draft pick, Mendoza remains focused on the Rose Bowl and the chance to bring a national championship to Indiana.

“It’s a huge point of pride,” Mendoza told NBC Sports, reflecting on his Cuban-American identity. “I’m extremely grateful for all the hardship they’ve been through.”

Mendoza’s success story is also a testament to the changing landscape of youth football in South Florida. The growing popularity of the sport among Cuban-Americans, coupled with specialized training programs and increased competition, has created a breeding ground for talent like Mendoza. Miami has become a hotbed for high school football talent, traditionally dominated by baseball players of Cuban heritage.

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