Alberto Mendoza has officially left Indiana and transferred to Georgia Tech following the Hoosiers' 2025 College Football Playoff national championship season. The redshirt freshman quarterback, who served as Indiana's primary backup behind his older brother Fernando Mendoza, is expected to compete for Georgia Tech's starting quarterback job after Haynes King's departure.

Alberto Mendoza Leaves Indiana for Georgia Tech After National Championship Season

Indiana quarterback Alberto Mendoza has officially transferred to Georgia Tech, ending his time with the Hoosiers shortly after helping the program capture the 2025 College Football Playoff national championship. The move was announced on January 20, 2026, less than 24 hours after Indiana defeated Miami for its first national title.

Although Mendoza played a backup role during Indiana's championship run, he demonstrated considerable potential in limited action. His decision to join Georgia Tech gives him an opportunity to compete for a starting role while providing the Yellow Jackets with an athletic quarterback capable of leading the offense into a new era.

What Happened?

Alberto Mendoza entered the NCAA transfer portal immediately after Indiana's championship season concluded and quickly committed to Georgia Tech.

The quarterback announced his decision through a social media post shared alongside the On3 transfer portal account, confirming that he would continue his college football career in Atlanta.

The transfer comes after an eventful year at Indiana, where Mendoza served as the primary backup to his older brother, Fernando Mendoza, who emerged as one of college football's biggest stars during the championship campaign.

Key Details

• Player: Alberto Mendoza
• Position: Quarterback
• Previous School: Indiana
• New School: Georgia Tech
• Transfer Announcement: January 20, 2026
• Eligibility Remaining: Three seasons
• 2025 Passing Statistics: 18 completions on 24 attempts (75%), 286 passing yards, five touchdowns and one interception
• 2025 Rushing Statistics: 190 rushing yards and one touchdown on 13 carries

During the 2025 season, Mendoza appeared in nine games, primarily in relief appearances, but consistently made the most of his opportunities.

Background

Alberto Mendoza joined Indiana before the 2024 season after initially committing to coach Curt Cignetti while he was at James Madison. When Cignetti accepted the Indiana head coaching position, Mendoza ultimately followed him to Bloomington.

In 2025, Indiana reunited Alberto with his older brother Fernando after Fernando transferred from California. The brothers became one of the nation's most unique quarterback tandems, with Fernando leading the offense while Alberto developed behind him.

Fernando's outstanding season culminated in a Heisman Trophy and a national championship, while Alberto continued to gain valuable experience as the backup quarterback.

The situation changed when Indiana added former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover through the transfer portal, creating additional competition for the starting position after Fernando's expected departure to the NFL. That development made Mendoza's transfer increasingly likely.

What Officials and Organizations Said

According to the Associated Press, Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti acknowledged before the national championship that Mendoza's future remained uncertain.

Cignetti said he believed Alberto Mendoza had "a good future" and indicated the program would see how the quarterback's situation developed after the season.

Georgia Tech has also made clear that Mendoza arrives with an opportunity to compete for the starting quarterback position after longtime starter Haynes King exhausted his eligibility.

Why This Matters

The transfer is significant for both programs.

For Georgia Tech, Mendoza fills one of the team's most important offseason needs. The Yellow Jackets must replace Haynes King, who started for three seasons and became one of the ACC's top quarterbacks. Mendoza brings game experience, efficiency and mobility despite limited playing time at Indiana.

For Indiana, the departure marks the end of the Mendoza brothers' partnership. However, the Hoosiers had already strengthened their quarterback room by bringing in Josh Hoover, positioning themselves for the 2026 season after Fernando Mendoza's expected move to the NFL.

The move also highlights the growing influence of the NCAA transfer portal, where quarterbacks increasingly seek programs offering a clearer path to starting opportunities.

What Happens Next?

Alberto Mendoza will participate in Georgia Tech's offseason program and compete for the starting quarterback job entering the 2026 season.

Georgia Tech's coaching staff has indicated he will battle other quarterbacks on the roster, although spring practice reports later identified Mendoza as the early favorite to become QB1.

Indiana, meanwhile, is expected to move forward with its restructured quarterback room following the departure of both Fernando and Alberto Mendoza.

While Mendoza's transfer has been confirmed, his long-term impact at Georgia Tech will ultimately depend on his performance during preseason camp and the regular season.

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FAQs

1. Who is Alberto Mendoza?

Alberto Mendoza is a quarterback who spent two seasons at Indiana before transferring to Georgia Tech following the 2025 national championship season.

2. Why did Alberto Mendoza leave Indiana?

The transfer followed Indiana's addition of quarterback Josh Hoover and gave Mendoza a stronger opportunity to compete for a starting position at Georgia Tech.

3. Which school did Alberto Mendoza transfer to?

He officially transferred to Georgia Tech.

4. How many years of eligibility does Alberto Mendoza have left?

He has three seasons of NCAA eligibility remaining.

5. Was Alberto Mendoza Indiana's starting quarterback?

No. He primarily served as the backup quarterback behind his older brother, Fernando Mendoza, during Indiana's championship season.

6. What were Alberto Mendoza's 2025 statistics?

He completed 18 of 24 passes for 286 yards, five touchdowns and one interception, while adding 190 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.

7. Will Alberto Mendoza start for Georgia Tech?

Georgia Tech has not officially named its starting quarterback, but Mendoza transferred to compete for that role and has been viewed as a leading candidate following spring practice.

Sources

This article is based on verified reporting and official team information from:

• Associated Press (via Georgia Public Broadcasting and CBS Atlanta)
• ESPN college football reporting
• Georgia Tech official football roster and player biography
• Indiana Daily Student reporting
• Reuters transfer portal coverage