Former IU athletes took center stage Wednesday evening at the ESPY Awards in New York.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was named the Best Men’s College Athlete, while OG Anunoby won for the Best Play.
As he led IU to the national championship, Mendoza led the FBS in passing touchdowns (41), passing efficiency (182.9) and points responsible for (288), behind an FBS-best 48 touchdowns accounted for. He was the only FBS quarterback with six games of four-plus touchdown passes and zero interceptions and accounted for at least one touchdown in all 16 games, including 14 with a touchdown pass.
The Best Men’s College Athlete, @fernandomendoza. @ESPYS | #IUFB pic.twitter.com/TuhbgSi7Sx
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) July 16, 2026
Anunoby averaged 21.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 1.4 steals and 1.0 assists in the NBA Finals while shooting 52.5% overall and 50% from three. He hit the game-winning shot as part of a 33-point effort in Game Four.
OG Anunoby wins ESPY for Best Play pic.twitter.com/jK4xkHKib2
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) July 16, 2026
The IU football team was also up for the best team, but that honor went to the New York Knicks.
Mendoza was also up for the best breakthrough athlete, but that honor went to Alysa Liu.
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