Shedeur Sanders headlines this conversation for one simple reason. Fernando Mendoza was named the 2025 Heisman winner yesterday, yet Shedeur Sanders had a better final college season before leaving for the NFL.
Looking at the numbers, Mendoza’s 2025 Heisman season ended with 2,980 passing yards, a 71 percent completion rate, 33 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
But Shedeur Sanders put up more across the board in his final year. In 2024, Shedeur threw for 4,134 yards, completed 74 percent of his passes, and recorded 37 touchdowns. He also had 10 interceptions, which came with a much heavier workload and higher difficulty.
Shedeur Sanders wasn’t eased into games. He was the offense, and defenses sold out to stop him every week. The volume stayed high as the efficiency stayed elite.
The Heisman rewards one season. This comparison highlights something else. Shedeur Sanders delivered a more demanding, more productive season before taking the next step to the NFL.
Why Fernando Mendoza was Named the Heisman Champion
Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman win was built in the biggest moments, which started against Illinois.
A top-ten opponent, Mendoza was almost flawless. He completed 21 of 23 passes for 267 yards and five touchdowns in a 63-10 blowout. Indiana announced itself that night, and so did Fernando Mendoza.
Then came Iowa on the road. Mendoza threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns, but the defining moment came late. Without hesitation, he made a 49-yard strike to Elijah Sarratt for the game-winner. He even ended the game by intentionally taking a safety, demonstrating high-IQ football.
At Oregon, Mendoza faced adversity. A pick-six in the fourth quarter. Most quarterbacks fold there. Mendoza responded with a 12-play, 75-yard drive to win it, snapping Oregon’s 18-game home streak at Autzen.
Penn State was pure pressure. No timeouts. Under two minutes. After a sack on first down, Mendoza led an 80-yard drive and capped it with a pinpoint touchdown throw to Omar Cooper. One toe down. Game over.
The Big Ten Championship sealed it. Fernando Mendoza outdueled Ohio State. He threw for 222 yards, delivered clutch third-down strikes, won game MVP, and led Indiana to its first Big Ten title since 1967.
That’s why Fernando Mendoza was named the Heisman Champion. He put up a Perfect record with historic wins and elite composure when it mattered most.
But was Shedeur Sanders still in college, and kept up his 2024 record, he’d probably have taken home the Heisman trophy 2025.
Also Read: Can Shedeur Sanders Win the Offensive Player Of the Year Award?