Alberto Mendoza gained the Faculty Soccer Playoff nationwide championship with Indiana on Monday night time because the backup quarterback to his older brother, Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.
On Tuesday morning, the youthful Mendoza took to his Instagram Story and reposted an ESPN Faculty GameDay graphic that paid tribute to the title-winning brothers and included the caption “Been there each step of the best way.”
Alberto Mendoza reposted one thing else on his Instagram Story at roughly the identical time — a media report that he plans to enter the NCAA switch portal.
A spokesperson for Indiana confirmed to The Athletic that the previous three-star recruit has entered the portal.
Whereas the switch portal closed for many gamers final Friday, gamers from Indiana and Miami are allowed to enter by Saturday due to their participation within the nationwide title recreation.
Fernando Mendoza was the Hoosiers breakout star throughout their undefeated run to their first-ever nationwide title in soccer. After transferring to Indiana following two seasons at California, the previous two-star recruit accomplished 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.
Throughout the Hoosiers’ CFP quarterfinal victory in opposition to Alabama and semifinal win in opposition to Oregon, the Related Press school soccer participant of the yr mixed for extra landing passes (8) than incompletions (5). He additionally rushed for seven touchdowns this season, together with a spectacular 12-yard scramble on fourth and 4 with 9:18 left in regulation to assist carry Indiana to a 27-21 victory within the championship recreation.
Fernando Mendoza is broadly anticipated to enter the NFL draft and will very properly be chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 1 general decide. Indiana already seems to have his successor in place — but it surely’s not his little brother.
Former Texas Christian quarterback Josh Hoover dedicated to Coach Curt Cignetti’s program earlier this month. Hoover went 19-12 because the Horned Frogs starter, finishing 65.2% of his passes for 9,629 yards with 71 touchdowns and 33 interceptions. He additionally rushed for eight touchdowns.
The addition of Hoover seems to have prompted Alberto Mendoza to search for alternatives elsewhere.
The youthful Mendoza has three years of eligibility remaining after redshirting his first season at Indiana in 2024. He didn’t see the sphere a lot this yr however made essentially the most of his enjoying time when he obtained it, finishing 18 of 24 passes for 286 yards with 5 touchdowns and one interception. He additionally rushed for 190 yards in 13 makes an attempt with one landing.
