Mendoza transferred to Indiana from Cal this past offseason.
Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti was asked about the Hoosiers’ pursuit of quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the transfer portal this past offseason during his press conference at Big Ten Media Days on Tuesday in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Here’s what he had to say:
“Fernando Mendoza, we had his younger brother, Alberto, in the program,” Cignetti said. “He [Alberto} actually signed for us and was committed to us at JMU. When I went to Indiana, he came to Indiana. I’ve been aware of him [Fernando]. Watched a lot of his Cal tape once he decided to enter the portal. Saw a quarterback that had played a lot of football, a lot of good football. Has size. Has mobility, quick release, good arm. Can extend plays. Smart guy. He has areas he has to improve, but I really liked his last five days of spring ball. I have a lot of confidence in him. Excited to see how he develops.”
Mendoza is widely expected to be the Hoosiers’ starting quarterback in 2025.