The Indiana Hoosiers pulled off a stunning victory by clinching the National Championship this past season. For a program historically known for its struggles, this triumph is nothing short of a fairy tale in college football lore.
Central to Indiana's success was Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza. His journey to the Hoosiers was a pivotal one, as he transferred from Cal last offseason. It's intriguing to ponder how different the landscape might have been had Mendoza chosen another path.
For Georgia fans, this story takes on an added layer of intrigue. Reports suggest that Mendoza nearly committed to the Bulldogs.
In his own words, he once tried to call Georgia's head coach, Kirby Smart, to commit, but the call didn't connect. Mendoza took it as a sign to reconsider, saying, "I really believed God helped me with that."
Mendoza's recruitment journey was a nail-biter, with Indiana and Georgia neck and neck. At one point, Georgia was leading the race, but that missed call led Mendoza to sleep on it, ultimately deciding in favor of Indiana.
Imagining an alternate universe where Mendoza chose Georgia is fascinating. Indiana's championship run might never have happened, but Georgia's season could have remained largely unchanged. With Gunner Stockton firmly in place, Mendoza might have found himself on the bench.
Indiana fans are undoubtedly thrilled with how things turned out, and it seems Georgia has no regrets either. Stockton is back for another year, poised as a genuine Heisman contender, with the talent to drive Georgia to a national title.
If Georgia captures the championship this season, both programs can look back on Mendoza's recruitment as a win-win scenario.