The Big Ten Championship Game hasn’t just been billed as a matchup between No. 1 and No. 2 for the conference crown and top overall seed in the College Football Playoff, but as a contest for the Heisman Trophy between the two favorites, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin.
Well, everyone was nearly robbed of that intriguing subplot on the first play of the game as Fernando Mendoza was drilled by Ohio State defensive end Caden Curry on the first play of the game. Curry delivered the hit as Mendoza released a throw, which he completed to Elijah Sarratt, and Mendoza was forced to leave the game after he was tended to by trainers on the field.
While it was a devastating hit for a defensive lineman to deliver on the quarterback, by the letter of the law, it was a clean one. Curry led with his shoulder, didn't leave his feet to launch into the defenseless player, and didn't make contact with the head or neck area.
Fernando Mendoza was slow to get up after taking a massive hit here pic.twitter.com/hNU9KhbgZW
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 7, 2025
Mendoza was keeping his eyes downfield, as he's done well all season, creating outside of the pocket to complete the pass, and didn't see Curry as he drifted to buy time and extend the throwing window to Sarratt.
Fernando Mendoza returns from injury scare after just one play
Once Mendoza was finally helped to the sideline after sustaining the hit to his right side, he was replaced by his younger brother and backup quarterback, Alberto Mendoza, for just one play. Fernando quickly returned and led a drive that ultimately ended with a Curry sack that forced a punt.
While Mendoza didn’t appear any worse for wear, it’ll be worth monitoring throughout the game to see if there are any ill effects on the redshirt junior transfer from Cal.
Though both quarterbacks entered with stellar statistical resumes for the season, the defenses may be even more dominant. Mendoza fared well against Oregon earlier this season, but Ohio State is the No. 1 defense in the country and easily Mendoza's toughest test of the year. If that's compounded by a potential injury suffered on the first offensive play of the game, it could be trouble for the Hoosiers.