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Trump talks up Heisman winner who skipped White House event: ‘J.D., he’s a big fan of ours’

May 12, 2026 | | Print Article

A White House event included some gentle ribbing at the latest Heisman Trophy-winner’s absence as the president explained how he would’ve reacted if “he didn’t like Trump.”

An undefeated season concluded for Indiana University’s Hoosiers with their victory over the University of Miami’s Hurricanes during the College Football Playoff National Championship. Monday, President Donald Trump hosted the team while calling out star quarterback Fernando Mendoza as a “big fan” of himself, Vice President J.D. Vance, and “what we’re doing for our country.”

Having congratulated the “very special coach,” Curt Cignetti, the president pivoted to the school’s first Heisman winner and said, “This season was also historic because the starting quarterback, Fernando Mendoza — now, the reason he’s not here, he was so nice, he called — actually, J.D., he’s a big fan of ours. You wouldn’t believe it cause he didn’t show up!”

“I’m not happy, but that’s okay. The reason he didn’t, because he’s at spring training, right?” continued Trump. “If he was not here for other reasons, like he didn’t like Trump or he didn’t want to come, I wouldn’t even mention him. I’d go through the whole — I’d talk about how great — I wouldn’t even mention the quarterback’s name. But he’s a great guy, actually. And he is actually a big fan of what we’re doing for our country.”

Mendoza, who was the number one draft pick in the NFL after being selected by the Las Vegas Raiders, explained earlier in May, “I believe May 11 is the first day of [organized team activities]. If it is on the first day of OTAs, like I said, I’m at the bottom of the totem pole here. I gotta prove myself. I can’t miss practice … As a rookie, I don’t think that’s a good look.”

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Previous examples of the quarterback keeping his priorities in order included who he chose to first celebrate his victory with after the title ceremony. Mendoza could be seen embracing his mother, Elsa, and his father, Fernando Sr. His wheelchair-bound mother, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, called the occasion a “dream come true.”

Rather than attend the draft in person, Mendoza celebrated from home by his mom’s side since she was unable to travel for the event.

Throughout his career, the athlete has also made a point of emphasizing God’s impact in his life while speaking of his Catholic faith.

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During a press conference after the championship, Mendoza said, “My faith is a huge component and maybe the sole reason why I got here. All the bumps and bruises and the path that God has laid out for me, I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

“Building that faith throughout college and now to be able to share my faith with these amazing teammates and just the community of faith, realizing having God on my side, always praising Jesus Christ, it’s incredible. I can’t thank the man above enough.”

Kevin Haggerty
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