Why Alberto Mendoza transferred from Indiana to Georgia Tech out of brother's shadow

Alberto Mendoza has transferred from Indiana University to Georgia Tech in order to escape his older brother's shadow. Fernando Mendoza, Alberto's brother, enjoyed a successful season as Indiana's starting quarterback during a national championship year. However, when it came time for the younger Mendoza to take the job, Georgia Tech's head coach Curt Cignetti opted not to give him the starting position.

This was a strategic decision, as Cignetti's previous two starting quarterbacks at Indiana had already accrued multiple years of experience. By passing on Alberto Mendoza, Cignetti ensured that the younger Mendoza would have a better chance of establishing himself as a starter elsewhere. At Georgia Tech, Alberto Mendoza will compete with redshirt freshman Grady Adamson for the starting quarterback position, replacing Haynes King, who had finished 10th in the Heisman Trophy voting the previous season.

Mendoza, who was a three-star recruit, ranked 137th in the 2024 recruiting class according to 247 Sports. Despite his limited starting experience at Indiana, Mendoza has already made an impression, completing five touchdown passes on 24 attempts during his time with the Hoosiers.