Indiana Football’s Next Man Up: Alberto Mendoza Eyes Starting Role After Brother Fernando’s Departure
As Fernando Mendoza gears up for what looks like a surefire jump to the NFL Draft, Indiana football may not have to look far for its next starting quarterback. In fact, they might just keep it in the family.
Alberto Mendoza, Fernando’s younger brother and the Hoosiers’ backup quarterback in 2025, is ready to make his own mark in Bloomington. After spending the season learning, growing, and waiting his turn, Alberto is expected to be a serious contender for the starting job in 2026 - and there’s already plenty of buzz about what he brings to the table.
“His younger brother is going to be as good or even better,” said Miami head coach Mario Cristobal, speaking ahead of the CFP title game. Cristobal, who played high school ball with the Mendoza brothers’ father at Columbus High School in Florida, didn’t hold back in his praise. “Really tough, smart, hardworking, awesome young men that represent their families and their university really well.”
That work ethic and football IQ have been on display behind the scenes, and now Alberto’s ready for the spotlight.
QB Competition Brewing in Bloomington
While Fernando hasn’t officially declared for the draft, Indiana’s move to bring in former TCU starter Josh Hoover through the transfer portal speaks volumes. It’s a clear sign the Hoosiers are preparing for life after their star quarterback - and they’re not handing the starting job to anyone without a fight.
Offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan made it clear: the goal is to build competition, and Hoover vs. Mendoza could be one of the most intriguing battles of spring camp.
“They've shown they really like me and feel like I've developed really well, and think I can be a great player,” Alberto said. “Coach Cig has really emphasized that I have a really bright future."
It’s the kind of confidence you want in a young quarterback - and it’s backed by results.
Alberto’s 2025: Quietly Productive, Loud Potential
Even as the backup, Alberto made the most of his opportunities. He played in six regular season games, racking up 286 passing yards on an efficient 18-of-24 through the air, with five touchdowns and just one interception. He added 190 rushing yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, showing off the dual-threat ability that could make him a dynamic option in Shanahan’s offense.
His most recent appearance came in the Rose Bowl, and he didn’t just fill in - he contributed. That kind of experience in meaningful moments can’t be overstated for a young quarterback.
And if you’re looking for a fun stat: the Mendozas made history in 2025, becoming the first pair of brothers to throw touchdown passes in the same game for the same team since Arkansas’ Brandon and Austin Allen did it in 2015. They pulled it off not once, but four times over the course of the season - including in a dominant 56-9 win over Kennesaw State.
From Hidden Gem to Serious Contender
Alberto’s journey to Indiana wasn’t a straight shot. The Florida native originally committed to Curt Cignetti and his staff when they were still at James Madison. Quarterbacks coach Tino Sunseri saw something in him early, calling him a “hidden gem” in the 2024 class.
When the staff made the move to Bloomington, Alberto followed - and he brought a winning pedigree with him. At Columbus High School, he went 26-2 as a starter, won back-to-back state titles, and posted a 10-0 record in the postseason. He finished his high school career with 4,596 passing yards, 57 touchdowns, just 12 interceptions, and a completion rate north of 70%.
That’s not just high school success - that’s a track record of winning, accuracy, and poise under pressure.
What’s Next for Indiana’s QB Room?
With Fernando likely heading to the pros and Hoover arriving from TCU, Indiana’s quarterback room is in transition - but not turmoil. The Hoosiers have two talented, motivated players ready to compete, and that’s exactly how Cignetti and Shanahan want it.
For Alberto, it’s a chance to step out of his brother’s shadow and into his own spotlight. He’s already shown flashes of what he can do. Now, he’ll get the chance to prove it over a full season - if he wins the job.
And if you ask those close to the program, don’t be surprised if he does.