Quarterback Fernando Mendoza is breaking more new ground for IU football. This time it’s inspiring the name of a thoroughbred racehorse.
Mendoza’s widely praised speech after receiving the Heisman Trophy reached Tom Ryan, the managing partner of SF Racing.
Ryan announced on social media that he is naming a horse "Mendoza."
Now Named:
— Tom Ryan (@TomRyanKY) December 17, 2025
MENDOZA 🏈@HeismanTrophy
Fernando Mendoza is a star in the world's most American sport. An incredibly talented young man who can inspire millions of young @NFL fans.
I had been searching for a name for our Gun Runner colt out of champion SONGBIRD. When I watched… pic.twitter.com/Ic8nl3jwJB
And it’s not just any racehorse. He was a 900-thousand-dollar purchase with a stellar bloodline. His trainer is Bob Baffert, who has trained two Triple Crown winners.
"Fernando Mendoza is a star in the world's most American sport," Ryan posted on X. "An incredibly talented young man who can inspire millions of young @NFL fans. I had been searching for a name for our Gun Runner colt out of champion SONGBIRD. When I watched Mendoza's post-Heisman interview, it felt like a perfect fit. Here’s to a great 2026 for the man and the horse."
Mendoza the racehorse will be a 2-year-old in 2026.