It's looking like Curt Cignetti was correct to move on from Alberto Mendoza

Curt Cignetti has an elite track record when it comes to finding and developing quarterback talent.

During his time at James Madison, Cignetti coached Ben DiNucci and Cole Johnson to CAA Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2019 and 2021, Todd Centeio to Sun Belt Player of the Year honors in 2022, and Jordan McCloud to Sun Belt Player of the Year recognition in 2023. Upon arriving in Bloomington, Cignetti led Kurtis Rourke to Second Team All-Big Ten honors in 2024. Then of course, coached Fernando Mendoza to the Heisman Trophy in 2025 while also leading the Hoosiers to a historic National Championship. There's no denying that Cignetti knows what he's doing with quarterbacks.

Over the offseason, Cignetti had the option to hand the reins of the IU offense to Alberto Mendoza, who spent last season backing up his brother in Bloomington. But instead, Cignetti went out and got TCU quarterback Josh Hoover in the transfer portal. Through four weeks of the new season, that decision looks to be a good one.

Alberto Mendoza and Georgia Tech are off to a rough start in 2026

In an ideal world, it would have been cool to see Alberto follow in Fernando's footsteps. The elder Mendoza cemented himself in Hoosier sports lore last season, and seeing his younger brother be Indiana's QB1 the following year would have continued IU's storybook rise under Cignetti's leadership. But that's not how it transpired.

The Big Ten is already more unpredictable than anyone expected

With Hoover coming to Indiana from TCU, Mendoza transferred to Georgia Tech. He won the starting job for the Yellow Jackets and finally had a chance to see regular playing time. Unfortunately, Mendoza and the Yellow Jackets are off to a 1-3 start with their lone victory coming against Mercer.

Mendoza has posted decent numbers, as he's completed 68.3% of his passes for 975 yards and 6 touchdowns. But 3 of those touchdowns came against Mercer. Take away that contest, and Mendoza has just as many touchdowns as interceptions (3) against Colorado, Tennessee, and Stanford. He's had some bright moments, but he's also had several costly mistakes and inconsistencies that put his team in tough spots.

Alberto looked solid when called upon last season in Bloomington. In total, he completed 18 of his 24 pass attempts for 286 yards and 5 touchdowns with one interception. He also added 190 yards and a touchdown on the ground. But all of that action came in garbage time with IU up by a significant margin, often against lesser opponents. Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key brought him in to be the guy, but so far the returns haven't been what Key was hoping for.

Meanwhile in Bloomington, Hoover is off to a strong start with the Hoosiers. Indiana's new QB has completed 56 of his 80 pass attempts (80% completion percentage) for 850 yards and 11 touchdowns. Most importantly, Hoover has thrown zero interceptions. That is especially huge when considering the fact that he led the Big 12 with 13 interceptions last season.

Moving forward, there is a lot to like about what Hoover can do under Cignetti's leadership. Indiana QBs have only continued to get better as the season goes on during Cignetti's tenure, and Hoover is primed to be next in line.

Mendoza still has ample time to turn things around in Atlanta, and IU fans are hoping he does. The Yellow Jackets are on a bye week this week, so perhaps that gives them some time to regroup and get things in order.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow