Alberto Mendoza Steps Into the Spotlight at Georgia Tech - And the Pressure Cooker That Comes With It
Alberto Mendoza is no stranger to the spotlight - it’s just usually been shining on someone else. That someone?
His older brother, Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman-winning quarterback who led Indiana to an undefeated national title run and turned the No. 15 jersey into a symbol of greatness in Bloomington. Now, Alberto’s rocking that same number at Georgia Tech, and with it comes the weight of expectation - and a whole lot of noise.
When Georgia Tech announced Alberto would be wearing No. 15 next season, social media lit up like it was rivalry week. Some fans didn’t waste time drawing comparisons - or throwing shade.
One comment bluntly shut down any hype: *“Won’t be like Fernando stop the glaze.” * Another took a jab at his looks, while others got creative - or downright bizarre - with jokes ranging from pasta puns to dark pop culture references.
But while the internet does what it does, Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key sees something different. Something real.
Key, who knows a thing or two about quarterbacks after guiding Haynes King to over 10,000 career passing yards, spent two hours with Alberto in their first extended conversation. The takeaway?
Leadership. Intangibles.
A presence that reminded him of King’s early days in Atlanta.
“Talking about him inserting himself in a leadership role,” Key told ACC Network’s Inside Access on Feb. 2. “I went back three years to how Haynes King inserted himself and what he did.”
That’s high praise - and a clear sign that the Yellow Jackets aren’t just taking a flyer on a name. They see a quarterback with potential, not just a legacy.
Let’s talk numbers. Alberto didn’t get much run at Indiana - understandable, considering he was backing up a Heisman winner - but when he did see the field, he made the most of it.
He completed 18 of 24 passes for 286 yards and five touchdowns. Add in 190 rushing yards, and you’ve got a dual-threat QB with efficiency and explosiveness in limited action.
Still, the writing was on the wall in Bloomington. After Indiana brought in TCU transfer Josh Hoover - a proven arm with nearly 10,000 passing yards and 71 touchdowns - Alberto made the call to move on.
Now, he’s got a shot at QB1 in Atlanta, but it won’t be handed to him. He’s stepping into a quarterback competition that includes returners Graham Knowles and Grady Adamson, along with freshman Cole Bergeron. It’s a crowded room, but one where Alberto’s experience and upside could separate him.
And yes, the No. 15 jersey brings its own baggage. But Alberto isn’t just wearing a number - he’s carving out his own path.
The comparisons to Fernando are inevitable, but they’re also unfair. Different team.
Different system. Different moment.
Alberto Mendoza’s story at Georgia Tech is just getting started. Whether he wins the starting job or not, one thing’s clear - he’s not just following in his brother’s footsteps. He’s ready to make his own mark.