Fernando Mendoza just delivered the kind of season that cements legacies-bringing both a national championship and a Heisman Trophy to Indiana. Less than a day after that historic moment, his younger brother, Alberto Mendoza, made a move of his own-hitting the transfer portal on Tuesday.
This wasn’t a surprise if you’ve been paying attention to Indiana’s quarterback room. The Hoosiers recently brought in Josh Hoover from TCU, and his résumé speaks volumes: over 9,600 passing yards across 31 starts.
That’s not the kind of addition you make to spark a QB competition-that’s a clear signal. Hoover is expected to take the reins.
Alberto, a redshirt freshman, saw the writing on the wall and made his decision. And while his time in Bloomington may have been brief, it was far from forgettable.
He completed 18 of 24 passes for 286 yards, tossed five touchdowns against just one interception, and added 190 yards on the ground over just 13 carries. That’s serious efficiency in limited action.
And then there’s the history. The Mendoza brothers became the first siblings to throw touchdown passes in the same game for the same team since the Allen brothers did it for Arkansas back in 2015. That’s a rare feat, and a moment that will live on in Indiana lore-even as the brothers now go their separate ways.
Before the national title game, head coach Curt Cignetti had said Alberto planned to stay. “His words were, ‘I’ll stay a year, but he’s got to go out early and then I’m the guy,’” Cignetti told reporters.
“I think he’s got a good future. I like him a lot as a player.”
And Cignetti’s belief in Alberto goes back to their days at James Madison, where Alberto originally committed as a three-star recruit. Tino Sunseri, Indiana’s former quarterbacks coach, once called him a “hidden gem.” That gem now looks to shine elsewhere.
So where could Alberto land?
One team to watch: Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets just lost Haynes King to eligibility and saw Aaron Philo transfer to Florida. That leaves Graham Knowles as the primary competition, and with Georgia Tech also adding Justice Haynes from Michigan to bolster the run game, there’s a foundation for a young quarterback to step in and lead.
Miami is another intriguing possibility. The Hurricanes just fell to Fernando’s Hoosiers in the title game and now need to replace Carson Beck.
They were in on both Mendoza brothers during their recruitment. Alberto, who played his high school ball in Miami, would be a natural fit geographically and culturally.
The big question: Can he win the job, depending on who else Miami brings in?
Then there’s Nebraska, a program still searching for stability under center. Dylan Raiola’s departure to Oregon has left the Cornhuskers scrambling.
For Alberto, this could be an opportunity to start immediately, step into a big role, and make a name for himself in a program desperate for a resurgence. Indiana went from perennial underdog to national champion.
Nebraska’s been stuck in neutral for years. This could be a chance to help change that.
Florida State is another potential landing spot. Mike Norvell brought in Ashton Daniels from the portal-a quarterback with 24 touchdowns and 22 interceptions spread between stops at Stanford and Auburn. That’s not exactly elite production, and it opens the door for someone like Mendoza to push for the job in 2026 or take over in 2027.
And don’t count out Duke. The Blue Devils won the ACC last year, but they’ve taken some hits.
Darian Mensah’s decision to enter the portal left a void, and their pursuit of DJ Lagway fell short when he committed to Baylor. New head coach Manny Diaz is looking for answers.
If Alberto’s ready to lead a championship-caliber offense, Duke could be a compelling fit.
Wherever he lands, Alberto Mendoza brings more than just a familiar last name. He’s a dual-threat quarterback with poise, efficiency, and a flash of playmaking ability that’s hard to teach.
He’s not just chasing playing time-he’s chasing the chance to lead. And after watching his brother rise to the pinnacle of college football, you can bet Alberto’s ready to carve out a spotlight of his own.