Mendoza’s wild celebration choice stunned fans.

Fernando Mendoza did not go home to rest after winning a national title, obviously. And like all do, he went out to party.

Indiana’s quarterback showed up at E11EVEN in Miami, a place known for mixing a nightclub and a strip club. Fans quickly spotted him there with teammates, and the video made everyone suprised.

Many people were surprised. Mendoza usually carries a clean, quiet image, and fans often call him a “boy scout.” Still, the timing made sense. Indiana had just finished a perfect season and won the College Football Playoff.

Mendoza is now a national champion and a Heisman Trophy winner. Scouts see him as a likely No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Even so, he chose to celebrate with a loud night out, surrounded by current and former teammates.

Fans reacted instantly. Instead of talking about his game, everyone focused on where and how he celebrated.

Fans React As Mendoza Celebrates In Miami

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

College football fans filled social media with jokes and praise.

One fan wrote, “Went into their own hometown for it all and took it over before and after the game.”

Another fan joked, “Mendoza gonna have to hit confession right after going to E11ven.”

The comments kept coming. Some fans laughed. Others cheered him on. Many said he earned the night out. Indiana had just closed a historic run.

Mendoza had delivered on the field. He scored a key fourth down touchdown. He scrambled and went airborne to cross the goal line. The play sealed a huge moment.

After the game, Mendoza spoke with ESPN’s Holly Rowe. He spoke from the heart. “I’d die for my team,” Mendoza said. “Whatever they need me to do. They need me to take shots in the front or the back, whatever it is, I’m gonna die for my team out there. That’s what makes us so close. That’s what makes the national championship so special.”

He also thanked his teammates. “My offensive linemen blocked perfectly,” he said. “We were able to execute as a team toward a common goal.”

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti praised his quarterback. He spoke to ESPN’s Molly McGrath. “He’s so tough,” Cignetti said. “He got hit, He had no time, He keeps getting back up. Just a great competitor. There’s no way this gets done without that kind of performance.”

Mendoza now carries a title ring and a party story.