Georgia Tech · ACCMendoza leaves Indiana for expected Georgia Tech starting job
The former Hoosiers quarterback entered the portal after Indiana added Josh Hoover and is set to succeed Haynes King.
SEP 3, 2026
The Pate State · Editorial IllustrationIndiana's championship-season record now under quarterback pressure
Georgia Tech's 2025 overall record behind the new quarterback bet
Time between Indiana adding Josh Hoover and Mendoza entering the portal
01 · The NewsMendoza Set to Take Over at Georgia Tech
On Jan. 20, the day after Indiana beat Miami for the national championship and two weeks after the Hoosiers added former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover, Alberto Mendoza entered the transfer portal and began a move from competing for Indiana's 2026 job to an expected starting opportunity at Georgia Tech.
Indiana had kept Mendoza informed about its plans at quarterback. After Hoover arrived, Mendoza said the staff still believed in his future.
“They've shown they really like me and feel like I've developed really well, and think I can be a great player. Coach Cig has really emphasized that I have a really bright future,” Mendoza told the Bloomington Herald-Times.
Mendoza eventually landed with the Yellow Jackets, where he is set to succeed Haynes King. Georgia Tech has not officially confirmed him as its starter or said whether he will open against Colorado, but the move puts a first-time starter in charge of an offense from a team that went 9-4 overall and 6-2 in the ACC in 2025.
Mendoza had committed to Indiana coach Curt Cignetti after first committing to him at James Madison. He is the younger brother of Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza; both attended Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Florida, and later played together at Indiana.
Georgia Tech's season opener against Colorado was scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 3, at 8 p.m. ET. Indiana's opener against North Texas was scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 5, at noon ET. Mendoza's path had changed from a competition in Bloomington to a chance to take over in Atlanta.
02 · The StakesThe Stakes
That is the quarterback bet behind Georgia Tech's push against Miami, SMU and Louisville for an ACC title and a College Football Playoff berth. Indiana, meanwhile, must defend a 16-0 season with Hoover and its remaining quarterback depth after Mendoza's departure. Josh Pate's preseason bracket put the Hoosiers at No. 12 in the playoff field, and the change at quarterback adds another question to that projection.
“They've shown they really like me and feel like I've developed really well, and think I can be a great player. Coach Cig has really emphasized that I have a really bright future”
Alberto Mendoza, to the Bloomington Herald-Times03 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Is Mendoza officially the starter?
Georgia Tech has not officially confirmed him as its starter or said whether he will open against Colorado.
How does Indiana replace Mendoza?
Indiana must defend a 16-0 season with Hoover and its remaining quarterback depth after Mendoza's departure.