Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers have had a rough week following Friday's season-ending loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff in South Bend. Indiana wasted no time in finding a replacement for Kurtis Rourke at quarterback for the 2025 season.
According to multiple reports, Fernando Mendoza has committed to the Hoosiers. He’ll join his brother, freshman quarterback Alberto Mendoza in Bloomington next month.
ESPN's Pete Thamel, was the first to break the news.
Per247Sports' transfer rankings, Mendoza is a 4-star prospect and the third-ranked overall quarterback in the portal. He was behind Oklahoma commit John Mateer and Mississippi State commit Luke Kromenhoek.
This season, Mendoza was the third-leading passer in the ACC with 3,004 passing yards and threw for 18 touchdowns with six interceptions in 11 games. He led the Bears to six wins and a bowl game in their first season in the ACC per ESPN
As a freshman in 2023, Mendoza was a Pac-12 Offensive Freshman Of The Year honorable mention selection of the Pac-12 coaches for the California Golden Bears.
Mendoza completed 153-of-243 passes (63.0%) for 1,708 yards with 14 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions for a 132.8 rating his freshman season.
The Hoosiers will need to improve their offense in the Big Ten in 2025. Under offensive coordinators Mike Shannahan and new hire Chandler Whitmer they should find success and be able to keep up the same numbers they did this season. Their schedule will not be easier next year though and landing Mendoza through the portal is a major key for that success.
BREAKING: Cal transfer QB Fernando Mendoza has Committed to Indiana, he tells @On3sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 24, 2024
The 6’5 225 QB totaled 3,004 yards and 16 TDs this season
Ranked as the No. 2 QB in the Portal (On3 Industry)https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/NqH8Po44So