4 programs emerge as leaders for Cal transfer QB Fernando Mendoza, including multiple Playoff teams
It took some people off guard when former Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza opted to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal recently. He immediately became arguably the best signal caller available, and the demand was going to be very, very high. Mendoza hasn’t been announcing offers, but plenty of schools have shown a high level of interest […]
It took some people off guard when former Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza opted to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal recently. He immediately became arguably the best signal caller available, and the demand was going to be very, very high. Mendoza hasn’t been announcing offers, but plenty of schools have shown a high level of interest already.
In a recent report for On3, there are four schools who appear to be the favorites early. Those include Georgia, Indiana, UCLA, and Wisconsin. It’s a diverse assortment of schools, which will make the decision in the end from Mendoza an interesting one.
The 6-5, 225-pound passer had a solid debut in 2023, but really took a big step forward as a player this fall. In 11 games, Mendoza threw for 3,004 yards and 16 touchdowns while completing 69 percent of his passes. To add to his overall play, Mendoza also added another two rushing touchdowns on the ground, and only threw six interceptions all season.
Mendoza brings a slightly unorthodox approach to the position. He is a solid athlete, and has no problem throwing out of structure or on the run despite a lumbering look. His release can also be a bit inconsistent, but does show the ability to throw from different arm angles. Despite that inconsistent release, Mendoza is generally very accurate and has plus arm strength.
Georgia would be a very interesting destination for Mendoza potentially. With Carson Beck more than likely heading to the NFL after this season, it leaves the program with some decisions to make. Gunner Stockton returns, as does former Arizona State transfer Jaden Rashada, but the future of the position is very much up in the air.
With what Indiana was able to do with Kurtis Rourke this season, you have to think it would be an attractive destination to work with head coach Curt Cignetti. While he isn’t a cookie cutter, Mendoza does bring a similar play style to the table compared to Rourke.
The fits at both UCLA and Wisconsin feel like wildcards, especially with the Badgers potentially. With Mendoza having already been playing college football in the state of California, the Bruins would have some appeal from that perspective.
