Alberto Mendoza Enters Transfer Portal: Top Potential Destinations Revealed
Alberto Mendoza, the younger sibling of Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza, has recently entered the transfer portal. This decision came shortly after the Hoosiers secured a victory over Miami in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, Mendoza spent the past two seasons as a backup quarterback at Indiana.
Potential Destinations for Alberto Mendoza
As Alberto Mendoza explores new opportunities, Georgia Tech emerges as a leading candidate for his next landing spot. Duke University is also considered a possible destination. Both teams are currently seeking new quarterbacks, making them appealing options for Mendoza.
Background on Alberto Mendoza
Before his brother Fernando joined Indiana as a transfer from California, Alberto committed to the university in 2023. In 2024, he backed starter Kurtis Rourke but saw minimal action, attempting just one pass in his freshman year. In 2025, he remained a backup to Fernando, who won the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
Performance at Indiana
- Alberto made nine appearances during the 2025 season.
- He completed 18 of 24 passes for 286 yards, with five touchdowns and one interception.
- On the ground, he rushed 13 times for 190 yards and one touchdown.
His contributions helped the Hoosiers clinch the national title with a 27-21 win against Miami.
Reasons for Entering the Transfer Portal
Initially, there were speculations that Mendoza could take over the starting position in 2026 if Fernando moved to the NFL. However, the commitment of quarterback Josh Hoover from TCU, who had a standout season with 3,472 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, diminishes that prospect. As a result, Alberto is now testing the waters of the transfer portal in search of a starting role.
Other Potential Opportunities
Georgia Tech is a strong candidate for Mendoza since Haynes King, their starter for the past three years, will not return in 2026. Duke also presents a potential fit as their starting quarterback Darian Mensah is currently in the transfer portal.
Other FBS power-conference teams that may offer Mendoza a chance to start include:
- Iowa
- Iowa State
- Cincinnati
- Michigan State
While these teams may not be immediate College Football Playoff contenders, they could provide Mendoza with the opportunity to claim a starting position, which he has earned during his time at Indiana.
