MIAMI — A joyous crowd gathered to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime moment for one of South Florida’s own.

Fernando Mendoza was named the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, earning recognition as the best player in college football.

The Indiana quarterback led the Hoosiers to an undefeated season, a Big Ten championship and the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.

A 2022 alumnus of Christopher Columbus High School, Mendoza’s achievement marked a proud moment for his community.

Family members, former teammates and school alumni came together to celebrate at his watch party in South Miami.

“People ask me about him, and I’m always like he’s a great football player, but he’s an even better person,” said his cousin, Adriana Alonso.

Alonso said the moment means everything to their family.

“Since he was 15, this has been a huge goal for him,” she said. “To see him go and accomplish this is phenomenal. I wanna cry half the time. Either cry or vomit, there’s no in between.”

Christopher Columbus High School President Tom Kruczek recalled the impact Mendoza made beyond the field.

“He led a turkey drive one of those years where there was a turkey shortage here in Miami, and he found more turkeys for underprivileged people than ever,” Kruczek said.

Former teammate Sebastian Broche described Mendoza as a hometown hero.

“To represent, not only for Columbus, but the entire city of Miami, it’s amazing to see someone go onto do things like that,” Broche said.

Rudy Puig, a member of the Columbus High School Alumni Board, said Mendoza’s success shows what is possible.

“Everything’s possible. If you believe in something and you want to keep on going, and you believe in it, just do it,” Puig said. “And look he’s done it. And he’s gonna win a national championship.”

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