The Indiana Hoosiers are heading into the 2026 college football season with high hopes. They’re fresh off their first-ever national championship, but the quarterback room looks totally different this year.
Fernando Mendoza, last season’s Heisman Trophy winner, is off to the NFL. His younger brother, Alberto Mendoza, transferred to Georgia Tech.
Indiana grabbed former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover to lead the charge for a second straight title. Let’s dig into what all these changes might mean for Indiana and Georgia Tech.
Indiana Hoosiers: A New Era Begins
The Hoosiers, now defending champs, suddenly have a lot to prove. Their rise started with Kurtis Rourke in 2024 and then Fernando Mendoza in 2025—both guys came in through the transfer portal.
It’s clear that head coach Curt Cignetti has found a formula that works. He’s leaned on transfers to find his starting quarterbacks, and so far, it’s paid off.
Josh Hoover: The New Leader
With Fernando Mendoza gone, Indiana moved quickly. They hit the transfer portal again and landed Josh Hoover from TCU.
Hoover becomes Cignetti’s third straight starting quarterback plucked from the portal. There’s pressure on him to keep Indiana at the top, no doubt about it.
He’s got some big shoes to fill. Still, Hoover’s experience and skill set make him an intriguing pick for the Hoosiers.
Under Cignetti, Hoover will try to follow in the footsteps of Rourke and Mendoza. Can he keep Indiana in the playoff conversation? That’s the million-dollar question.
Alberto Mendoza’s Transfer to Georgia Tech
Meanwhile, Alberto Mendoza decided to strike out on his own. He backed up for Indiana and played in nine games before entering the transfer portal.
Now, he’s headed to Georgia Tech. It’s a fresh start and a real shot to lead a program.
Why Georgia Tech?
Georgia Tech needed a quarterback after Haynes King graduated and Aaron Philo transferred to Florida. Mendoza’s arrival fills that gap perfectly.
The Yellow Jackets also landed some big names in the transfer window, like Michigan’s Justice Haynes and Alabama’s Jaylen Mbakwe. There’s a sense of new energy around the team.
Alberto’s numbers at Indiana weren’t eye-popping, but they were solid. In his nine games, he completed 18 of 24 passes for 286 yards, five touchdowns, and one pick.
He hasn’t had a chance to lead a team yet, but he’s shown flashes. Georgia Tech might just be the place where he puts it all together.
The Impact on Both Programs
All these moves in the transfer portal shake things up for Indiana and Georgia Tech. Indiana’s main challenge? Getting Josh Hoover up to speed and keeping the momentum going.
For Georgia Tech, Alberto Mendoza could light a fire under the program. They’ve needed a spark for a while.
Indiana’s Quest for Back-to-Back Titles
Indiana’s success with transfer quarterbacks has become their trademark lately. With Hoover, they’re hoping to ride that wave to another deep playoff run.
The pressure’s real, but Hoover won’t be doing it alone. Indiana still has a strong supporting cast and a coaching staff that knows how to win.
Georgia Tech’s New Hope
Georgia Tech fans are feeling a bit more optimistic these days. Mendoza brings a different vibe to the quarterback room.
He’ll have some talented weapons to work with, like Haynes and Mbakwe. If he can build chemistry fast, the Yellow Jackets might surprise people.
With Philo off to Florida and King graduated, Mendoza fills a big hole. He gives Georgia Tech a fighting chance in a tough conference.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 season on the horizon, both Indiana and Georgia Tech are pinning their hopes on new quarterbacks. Indiana wants to defend its crown, while Georgia Tech is hungry to climb back into relevance.
Indiana’s Strategy
Indiana’s approach—building through the transfer portal—has worked wonders. Bringing in experienced guys who can hit the ground running has kept them competitive.
Josh Hoover is the latest test of that philosophy. His performance could make or break their season.
The Hoosiers need to stay sharp and not get complacent. The schedule won’t do them any favors, but this roster has been built to handle pressure.
Georgia Tech’s Rebuilding Efforts
Georgia Tech’s main focus will be integrating Mendoza and getting everyone on the same page. There’s no shortcut for building chemistry, but it’s possible with the right leadership.
Mendoza’s playmaking and leadership could be the difference. If the team comes together quickly, who knows? Maybe they’ll pull off a few upsets along the way.
Conclusion
The 2026 college football season looks like it could get wild. Indiana and Georgia Tech are both shaking things up, each hoping their changes pay off when it really counts.
Indiana’s chasing another title. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech’s trying to build something new and maybe surprise a few folks along the way.
There’s a lot riding on Josh Hoover and Alberto Mendoza. If they step up, their teams might just surprise everyone.
Want to dig deeper? Check out the full article on CBS Sports.
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