Johnny Manziel Doesn't Hold Back on 'Heisman' Moment During Ohio State-Indiana Game

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Johnny Manziel Doesn't Hold Back on 'Heisman' Moment During Ohio State-Indiana Game

The No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers defeated the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten Conference Championship Game, 13-10.

That was Ohio State‘s first loss of the season, and with Indiana finishing with an undefeated record, the Hooisers will likely be headed for the No. 1 spot in the College Football Playoff field.

Ohio State had a 10-6 lead at halftime, but it went scoreless in the second half. Julian Sayin threw for 258 yards with a touchdown and an interception, with wide receiver Jeremiah Smith catching eight passes for 144 yards.

On the other side, Fernando Mendoza had 222 yards with a touchdown and an interception, and wide receiver Charlie Becker had six catches for 126 yards.

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with the MVP trophy.Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Mendoza, Sayin and Smith all entered the game as part of the Heisman Trophy conversation, but Mendoza might’ve taken a giant step toward clinching the award.

Late in the game, Mendoza connected with Becker on a 33-yard gain on 3rd-and-6 to give Indiana a first down and milk the clock even more.

Some called it a “Heisman moment,” including ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg and others.

However, former Texas A&M star and former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel didn’t think too highly of that.

“We got basic fade routes being called Heisman moments now… I’ve really seen it all. Congrats to Indiana though that’s a hell of a win,” Manziel wrote on X.

While it was just a fade route, it came with a Big Ten title on the line, and Mendoza came through when it mattered most for Indiana.

Mendoza went on to win the Big Ten Championship MVP, and there is a possibility he will also win the Heisman Trophy.

The Hoosiers QB entered the game with 32 touchdowns and just five interceptions, and now he has a Big Ten title, MVP and is most likely headed to lead the top seed into the College Football Playoff.

Related: Updated College Football Rankings Will Likely Feature New No. 1 Team

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 7, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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