Star quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner, is poised to leave for the NFL as a likely No. 1 overall draft pick in April. His younger brother, Alberto, who served as the backup, has decided to transfer to Georgia Tech after entering the transfer portal, as reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer.
Alberto Mendoza had his share of contributions during the season, playing in nine games while the team often led comfortably, allowing for our starters to rest. He completed 75% of his passes—18 of 24—for a total of 286 yards along with five touchdowns and one interception.
Georgia Tech represents a strategic fit for him. With starter Haynes King having graduated and Aaron Philo transferring to Florida, Mendoza will fill a crucial gap. The addition of top running back Justice Haynes from Michigan and standout receiver Jaylen Mbakwe from Alabama during this transfer cycle further strengthens Georgia Tech’s roster.
Meet Josh Hoover, the TCU transfer who will follow Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza as Indiana’s next QB.
For Indiana, losing Alberto Mendoza is not unexpected. Prior to the national title game, the Hoosiers had already secured a new starting quarterback for 2026 via the transfer market. Former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover has signed on to be the next under center, marking the third consecutive year that coach Curt Cignetti has turned to the transfer portal.
The previous two quarterbacks have played key roles in Indiana’s progression, with Kurtis Rourke leading the team to its first playoff appearance in 2024, followed by Mendoza, who delivered the Hoosiers’ first national title in 2025. This sets a high bar for Hoover, tasked with maintaining the team’s status as contenders for another national championship run. However, the Hoosiers seem well-prepared to reload and aim for another playoff appearance as Cignetti begins his third season.
