Indiana Backup QB Alberto Mendoza Joins Transfer Portal Shortly After Hoosiers’ CFP Win
Backup Quarterback Alberto Mendoza Enters Transfer Portal After Indiana’s Championship Win
Alberto Mendoza celebrated a significant milestone on Monday night, contributing to Indiana’s triumph in the College Football Playoff national championship as the backup quarterback to his older brother, Fernando Mendoza, who secured the Heisman Trophy.
On Tuesday morning, Alberto took to Instagram to share a tribute graphic from ESPN’s College GameDay, highlighting the achievements of the Mendoza brothers with the message, "Been there every step of the way." However, he also posted a report indicating his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal, signaling a possible shift in his collegiate football journey.
A spokesperson from Indiana confirmed to The Athletic that Mendoza, a former three-star recruit, has officially entered the transfer portal. This move comes as players from Indiana and Miami can enter the portal until Saturday due to their participation in the national title game.
The championship marked a historic moment for Indiana, as they clinched their first national title in football with a 27-21 victory over Miami. Fernando Mendoza emerged as a standout player throughout the season, completing 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions after transferring from California. His remarkable performances included eight touchdown passes in the playoffs alone, along with seven rushing touchdowns, capped by an impressive 12-yard scramble that solidified Indiana’s championship win.
With the season’s conclusion and Fernando expected to enter the NFL draft—potentially as the No. 1 overall pick to the Las Vegas Raiders—the spotlight shifts to Indiana’s quarterback future. Notably, the Hoosiers recently secured former Texas Christian quarterback Josh Hoover, adding another layer of complexity to Alberto’s situation.
Having redshirted his first year at Indiana in 2024, Alberto Mendoza still has three years of eligibility remaining. Though his playing time was limited this season, he demonstrated promise when given the opportunity, completing 18 of 24 passes for 286 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. Additionally, he rushed for 190 yards and one touchdown.
As Mendoza contemplates his next move, the addition of Hoover suggests that competition for the starting quarterback position will intensify moving forward.
