On Monday, Alberto Mendoza, who is the younger brother of Indiana’s quarterback Fernando Mendoza, made the decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal. This came right after the Hoosiers clinched their first national championship with a score of 27-21 against the Hurricanes, as reported by ESPN.
The 6-foot-2, 207-pound redshirt freshman primarily played in relief of his brother during the season, contributing to the team’s impressive 16-0 record.
Players from both Indiana and Miami have until January 24 to enter the transfer portal following the College Football Playoff (CFP) title match.
During the season, Alberto appeared in nine games, achieving a completion rate of 75 percent on his passes for 286 yards, alongside rushing for 190 yards, totaling six touchdowns and just one interception.
He had 102 snaps throughout the season, including nine during the Hoosiers’ significant 38-3 victory over Alabama in the CFP quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl.
This development follows Indiana’s recent signing of Josh Hoover, a transfer quarterback from TCU, who may be competing for the starting role next season.
The Mendoza family from Miami has been in the spotlight lately.
Fans have been particularly touched by the presence of their mother, Elsa Mendoza, a former tennis player at the University of Miami, and their father, Fernando Sr., who have been visibly supportive at the games.
In a heartfelt letter to Fernando before the Heisman Trophy ceremony last December, Elsa discussed her struggles with multiple sclerosis. She expressed appreciation for how he has made her feel loved despite her challenges.
“To be honest, it’s never been easy,” Elsa reflected. “But you made it so easy, and you did it in the gentlest, strongest, most Fernando way possible.” She talked about how he never treated her with shame, instead providing unwavering support.
Fernando mentioned that during the celebratory moments after the game, his father remained seated because his mother, who uses a wheelchair, couldn’t stand up with them.
After the game, Elsa took the opportunity to speak with several media outlets on the field.
Fernando had a productive game, completing 16 of 37 passes for 186 yards and earning a standout rushing touchdown that contributed to the Hoosiers finishing their season undefeated.
He was later seen enjoying the victory with teammates at a well-known Miami nightclub, E11even, as shared through videos on social media.
