
1. Introduction
Football fans and college sports aficionados alike have been captivated by the emerging Mendoza duo. Fernando Mendoza, a redshirt junior quarterback, transferred from Cal to Indiana, while his younger brother, Alberto Mendoza, a redshirt freshman, is steadily growing into a prominent role within the Hoosiers’ QB room. This article explores their backgrounds, 247Sports recruiting profiles, collegiate stats, and the fascinating sibling dynamic at Indiana University football.
2. Background & High School Journey
Both brothers hail from Miami, Florida, and played at Christopher Columbus High School under coach Dave Dunn. Fernando earned three-star prospect status across ESPN, 247Sports, and On3 and served as a team captain, excelling on the field and in his community. Meanwhile, Alberto compiled impressive high school numbers — 4,596 passing yards and 57 touchdowns, earning two-time Class 4 Metro Florida Player of the Year honors and finalist for Florida Mr. Football.
3. Fernando Mendoza: Collegiate Performance & Transfer
At University of California (Cal), Fernando enjoyed significant success:
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2024 season: Threw for 3,004 passing yards, posting one of Cal’s top single-season records in yards, efficiency, and completions.
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Finished his Cal career as the school’s all-time leader in completion percentage (66.4%) and tied for 7th in 250-yard passing games (10), matching legends like Gale Gilbert and Aaron Rodgers.
After completing three seasons at Cal, and redshirting in 2022, Fernando transferred to Indiana in spring 2024 as the No. 14 overall prospect and No. 3 quarterback in the portal, according to 247Sports. In his Indiana debut (2025), he produced 226 total yards (193 passing, 33 rushing), including Indiana’s first offensive touchdown — a rushing TD — against Old Dominion.
4. Alberto Mendoza: Growth as Emerging Talent
Alberto joined Indiana as a redshirt freshman, making his collegiate debut in 2024 against Western Illinois. Despite limited opportunities (one completed pass in that debut), his high school résumé and offseason performance elevated him within the QB depth chart.
Coach Curt Cignetti acknowledged Alberto as “Indiana’s top backup QB right now” following a productive spring. Alberto stands at 6-2, 203 lbs, smaller compared to Fernando, but brings agility and accuracy to the table — evident from his high school numbers of 1,950 passing yards and 22 touchdowns in his senior year, with just five interceptions.
5. Sibling Synergy: Together on the Field
One of the most remarkable moments came early in the 2025 season. During a dominant 56-9 victory over Kennesaw State, Fernando threw four touchdown passes, and in mop-up duty, Alberto threw his first collegiate TD pass — marking the first time in 10 years that brothers each threw a touchdown in the same college game. As Sports Illustrated highlighted, “They became the first brothers to each throw a touchdown pass in the same game in 10 years”.
In another emotional moment, footage captured Fernando celebrating Alberto’s TD on the sideline, symbolizing the family connection and competitive bond that drives them both. Fernando Mendoza 247 stats.
6. 247Sports Recruiting Rankings & Profiles
According to 247Sports:
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Alberto Mendoza is ranked No. 82 at QB nationally, No. 137 in Florida, and secured his commitment to Indiana from Columbus HS.
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His profile highlights his leadership in guiding his high school team to a 14-1 record and a state title, completing 197 of 272 passes (72.4%) for 2,825 yards, with 35 TDs and 8 INTs.
Fernando’s own portal ranking as the No. 3 QB and No. 14 overall transfer prospect reflects his proven college-level production and ability to impact immediately.
7. Outlook: What Lies Ahead
Looking ahead to the 2025 season and beyond:
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Fernando enters Indiana’s season as the starting quarterback, bringing a wealth of experience, accuracy, and leadership. His track record suggests he can anchor the Hoosiers’ offense solidly.
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Alberto, meanwhile, is riding a wave of momentum, moving into the top backup role, and pushing veteran competitors — a testament to his development and athletic promise.
As Coach Cignetti noted, “Nobody owns the job. You got to earn that job every single day,” illustrating the competitive environment and the brothers’ shared journey. Their sibling synergy promises to elevate both their individual games and Indiana’s offense in meaningful ways. Fernando Mendoza 247 stats.
8. FAQs
Q1: Who are Fernando and Alberto Mendoza?
A: Brothers and quarterbacks from Miami’s Columbus High School, both now playing for Indiana University — Fernando as a redshirt junior starter, and Alberto as a redshirt freshman backup.
Q2: What were their high school achievements?
A: Fernando was a three-star recruit, team captain, and community leader. Alberto totaled 4,596 passing yards and 57 TDs, winning back-to-back regional titles and earning player-of-the-year honors.
Q3: What are Fernando’s college stats?
A: At Cal, he threw 3,004 yards in 2024, ranked among the school’s best. Holds Cal’s all-time 66.4% completion rate and ties with Rodgers and Gilbert for career 250+ yard games. At Indiana, debuted in 2025 with 226 total yards and his first IU rushing TD.
Q4: What is Alberto’s status at Indiana?
A: He made his collegiate debut in 2024, has earned top backup status, and threw his first TD during mop-up duty in a 2025 blowout.
Q5: Have they ever thrown TDs in the same game?
A: Yes — in 2025 against Kennesaw State, both threw TDs, becoming the first brothers to achieve that feat in college football in a decade.
Q6: What does the future hold for the Mendoza brothers?
A: Fernando is the established starter with proven production. Alberto is rapidly rising, eyeing more opportunities. Their combined talents could lift Indiana’s offense to new heights. Fernando Mendoza 247 stats.
Summary Table (Optional)
Player | Role at Indiana | College Highlights |
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Fernando Mendoza | Starting QB (2025), redshirt junior | 3,004 passing yards (2024, Cal), all-time 66.4 % completion, IU debut with 226 total yards |
Alberto Mendoza | Top backup QB (2025), redshirt freshman | Major high school success, first collegiate TD, promising QB depth |