Good omen? SF Racing group names colt after Heisman winner

Meet Mendoza, a yearling named after Indiana University's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Tom Ryan of SF Racing said in an X post that he had been searching for the name for the Gun Runner colt out of 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."

The colt now known as Mendoza was purchased by SF Racing, Starlight and Madaket for $900,000 at the Keeneland September yearling sale. He was consigned by Gainesway, agent for Whisper Hill Farm.

And it looks like he'll be coming soon to Bob Baffert's barn, as the Hall of Fame trainer was tagged in Ryan's X post.

Mendoza, who transferred from Cal, is the first Heisman winner for IU, which is undefeated this season for the first time since 1945 and drew the no. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.