Alberto Mendoza, the younger brother of Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal following Indiana’s historic College Football Playoff National Championship win. The news broke on January 20, 2026, and already several programs are monitoring his next move — with Georgia Tech emerging as an early contender to land the talented quarterback.
Who Is Alberto Mendoza?
Alberto Mendoza is a 6-foot-2, 207-pound quarterback prospect who spent the last two seasons at Indiana University. In 2025, he appeared in nine games as the backup to his older brother, completing 18 of 24 passes for 286 yards and five touchdowns with only one interception. He also showcased his dual-threat ability by rushing for 190 yards and a touchdown. Despite limited playing time, Mendoza proved efficient and dynamic whenever given the opportunity.
Before Indiana, Mendoza was a three-star recruit out of Columbus High School in Florida, ranked as a solid mid-level quarterback prospect in the 2024 class.
Why Is Mendoza Entering the Transfer Portal?
Mendoza’s decision to enter the transfer portal comes amid roster changes at Indiana, including the addition of TCU transfer quarterback Josh Hoover, who is expected to start in 2026. With his path to a starting role limited, Mendoza is seeking a new program where he can compete for the lead quarterback job and fully showcase his skills.
Furthermore, the timing is significant: because Indiana played in the CFP National Championship, Mendoza has a brief extended window to enter the portal even after the official deadline closed.
Georgia Tech: A Top Landing Spot?
According to early reports, Georgia Tech is “among the early teams to watch” for Mendoza’s transfer destination. The Yellow Jackets, who compete in the ACC, have quarterback needs after exodus of players like Haynes King and Aaron Philo, making Mendoza an attractive addition to a developing quarterback room.
At Georgia Tech, Mendoza would potentially compete with quarterbacks such as Graham Knowles, Grady Adamson, and Cole Bergeron, providing depth and a chance to earn a starting role in a system looking for stability under center.
247Sports and Transfer Portal Buzz
While specific 247Sports rankings for Alberto Mendoza are not yet published at the time of writing, his family pedigree, efficiency in limited action, and mobility have already caught the attention of national transfer analysts and portals. His profile as a quarterback with untapped starting potential makes him a sought-after transfer target among teams seeking quarterback upgrades.
What to Expect Next
As programs finalize rosters following the transfer portal window, Mendoza’s options may include multiple Power 5 and Group of 5 schools. Georgia Tech’s interest signals that Mendoza could find a landing spot where he can compete immediately and potentially lead an offense with substantial playmakers around him.
For fans tracking this situation, keeping an eye on 247Sports’ transfer rankings and portal tracker will provide real-time updates as commitment decisions unfold.
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