"Performative as hell," "Take away his Heisman": CFB fans rip Fernando Mendoza for "fake cry" in viral post-game interview after Indiana beats OSU

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was left feeling emotional after the Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 13-10 to be crowned this season's Big Ten champions.

After the final whistle, he joined FOX Sports' Jenny Taft for a sideline interview. When asked to share his thoughts on the win, Mendoza could not hold back his tears.

"It sounds so beautiful. I want to give all the glory to God!" Mendoza said while sobbing. "We were never supposed to be in this position. But by the glory of God, the great coaches and teammates, everybody around us, we were able to pull this off.

"Whoever thought the Hoosiers would be here? But now the Hoosiers are flipping champs. ... We're brothers. We can drag teams into the deep end, we know that we're gonna stick together, and we're the strongest glue ever."

Fans on social media were not impressed with Fernando Mendoza's emotional post-game speech and trolled the quarterback.

"Bro performative as hell," one fan commented.

Nigel

@NigelThornBearE

@shannonsharpeee Bro performative as hell

"First player to lose the Heisman from the post game interview," another fan said.

charlie

@charlieecho607

@CFBONFOX @IndianaFootball @JennyTaft @bigten First player to lose the Heisman from the post game interview

"Fernando Mendoza with a hilarious fake cry," this fan wrote.

Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account)

@shannonsharpeee

fernando mendoza with a hilarious fake cry 😭😭😭😭

"Okay take away the Heisman after that interview. Geesh," another fan said.

Matt Craig

@matt_craig

Okay take away the Heisman after that interview. Geesh.

"He makes Russell Wilson look like Tupac," one fan wrote.

Barry

@BarryOnHere

He makes Russell Wilson look like Tupac.

"Worst aura of all time," this fan commented.

Zac Burrage

@zacburrage

@CFBONFOX @IndianaFootball @JennyTaft @bigten Worst aura of all time

Against the Ohio State Buckeyes, Mendoza completed 15 of 23 passes for 222 yards. His only touchdown of the game came in the third quarter when he found WR Elijah Sarratt with a 17-yard TD pass.

The goal sealed the win for his team as the undefeated Big Ten champions and secured the No.1 seed in the 12-team college football playoffs.

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Ex-NFL star RGIII has high praise for Fernando Mendoza after Indiana's Big Ten championship win

After the game, former NFL star Robert Griffin III shared a post on social media heaping praise on the Indiana quarterback.

He stated that Mendoza proved his worth and should be considered a top player this season.

"Everyone should love Fernando Mendoza. The passion. The joy. The leadership. You love to see it," RGIII tweeted.

Mendoza began his collegiate journey with the California Golden Bears in 2022. He spent three seasons with them before deciding to transfer to play for the Indiana Hoosiers in December 2024.

Before Saturday's Big Ten championship game, the quarterback recorded 2,758 yards and 32 TDs passing while rushing for 243 yards and six touchdowns. Can he go on to win this season's Heisman trophy?