Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will likely be wearing a Las Vegas Raiders jersey the next time the Heisman Trophy winner takes the field, but questions also surround the future of his brother Alberto Mendoza. Indiana is in danger of losing multiple Mendoza quarterbacks.
The Mendoza family took center stage at the national championship game cheering on the star quarterback. Fernando’s parents, Fernando Sr. and Elsa, became fan favorites amid Indiana’s historic season.
Fernando’s brother Alberto was also on the Indiana roster as a reserve quarterback. Hours after Indiana secured the national title over Miami, news broke that Alberto is entering the college football transfer portal.
“Indiana QB Alberto Mendoza is entering the transfer portal, sources tell me and @chris_hummer,” CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported on January 20, 2026. “Mendoza, the younger brother of Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, was IU’s backup QB this year.
“In limited action, was 18 of 24 for 286 yards with five TD passes. Also ran for 190 yards.”
Here’s what you need to know about all things Mendoza.
College Football Rumors: Fernando Mendoza’s Brother Alberto Mendoza Heavily Linked to Georgia Tech in Transfer Portal
An ACC program has already surged to the top as the favorite to land Alberto. As a high school recruit in the 2023 class, Alberto was a consensus three-star prospect.
As Fernando has proven to the college football world, recruiting stars do not always tell the full story. Georgia Tech has emerged as the team to beat for Alberto, per On3’s Pete Nakos.
“Sources tell On3 that Georgia Tech is the clear early team to watch in this recruitment,” the college football insider wrote in a January 19, story titled, “Transfer Portal Intel: Jordan Seaton visiting Oregon, school emerging for Damon Wilson & more.”
Fernando Mendoza’s Dad, Fernando Sr., Played With Miami HC Mario Cristobal
The national championship turned out to be a movie script written for the Mendoza family. Fernando’s dad, Fernando Sr., played with Miami head coach Mario Cristobal at Columbus High School.
“At home, it’s cool. It’s really cool,” Fernando Sr. told WTHR 13 after Indiana won the national championship. “It’s fun. And props to Coach Cristobal, Coach (Alex) Mirabal, which I know, we played football (together).
“And those guys are great coaches, great men. And they had a great season. Props to them. Congratulations to them as well.”
Fernando’s Mom, Elsa, Became a College Football Fan Favorite Amid Indiana’s National Championship Run
Fernando’s mom, Elsa, has been an inspiration to fans for her courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) while always having a smile on her face watching her son play at Indiana. This same smile could soon be coming to Vegas as Fernando is a heavy favorite to be selected by the Raiders with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft.
“There was various UM (Miami) fans that said, ‘I’m a UM fan, but I am a Fernando fan, too,'” Elsa explained to WTHR 13.
Indiana fans already became familiar with Atlanta after taking over Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the Hoosiers’ dominant Peach Bowl win over Oregon. The Mendoza family could soon be rooting on Alberto at Georgia Tech if the latest college football rumors come to fruition.
Major News Emerges on Fernando Mendoza’s Family & Brother Hours After Indiana’s Win