The Indiana Hoosiers enter fall camp again with a clear-cut starter at quarterback in Fernando Mendoza. The Hoosiers lost Kurtis Rourke to the NFL after he helped lead the team to an 11-2 record and a berth into the College Football Playoff. That is a tough act to follow, but Mendoza has all the tools to be successful. While there has been a ton of hype surrounding Mendoza, IU does have other quarterbacks on the team. Let’s take a look at the room
Starter
Fernando Mendoza, RS Junior, 6’5” 225 lbs.
Mendoza comes to IU from California where he threw for 3,004 yards and 16 touchdowns and just six interceptions in 2024. He should have ended with more but an illness kept him out of the finale against SMU and he opted out of the LA Bowl. Last season was Mendoza’s coming out party as he cut down on turnovers and increased his completion percentage to 68-percent.
If you have not seen or heard the hype surrounding Mendoza heading into 2025, you have probably been living under a rock. He has been listed as one of the most impactful transfers of the 2025 cycle and is getting first round NFL Draft buzz.
Mendoza can make all the throws you want, including a really nice deep ball. The offensive line play in front of him should be much better at Indiana than Cal as well. While he is comfortable throwing on the run, it’s still better not getting hit when throwing the ball.
Under the instruction of Curt Cignetti and quarterback coach Chandler Whitmer, Mendoza should be able to improve his play even more. One of the limitations IU had with Rourke was his mobility, or lack thereof, with his ACL injury. Mendoza is healthy and IU will move the pocket to cater to his strengths. He can also use his legs to pick up a first down when needed.
Backup
Alberto Mendoza, RS Freshman, 6’2” 207 lbs.
Alberto is the younger brother of Fernando and the redshirt freshman has nearly cemented himself as the backup after an impressive spring practice. Alberto played in one game for the Hoosiers last year. When he came to IU he had funky throwing mechanics, but his arm talent was clear. He and Fernando are so similar it is hard to tell them apart most of the time outside of the three inch height difference.
The younger Mendoza could use another year of development before competing for the starting role in 2026. If Fernando does jump to the NFL after just a season in Bloomington, Alberto would be next in line.
Emergency/Third String
Grant Wilson, RS Senior+, 6’3” 220 lbs.
Entering spring I believed that ODU transfer Grant Wilson was brought in to be the backup to Fernando Mendoza and that still may be the case if there is an injury. Wilson has mostly been the third quarterback in. Whether that is to accelerate Alberto Mendoza’s development or because he got passed up can be debated.
Wilson has the experience that the younger Mendoza does not. He has started 14 games and played in 22 for Fordham and Old Dominion. He has played well against FBS competition and could be the first off the bench if needed.
Redshirt Candidates and Additional Depth
Jacob Bell, Maverick Geske
True freshman Jacob Bell joined the team this summer and is thicker than I expected. He is going to redshirt unless something absurd happens. He has the tools to develop into a solid quarterback, but he needs time.
Maverick Geske is a local product and a walk-on. If he can run the scout team well and develop into a depth piece, that would suffice.
Outlook
The Hoosiers have a potential star in Fernando Mendoza, but the drop off behind him raises questions about depth. Wilson is experienced, but was passed up in the spring by redshirt freshman Alberto Mendoza. The Hoosiers have some runway to get the younger Mendoza some game reps with three early non-conference games. However, Fernando needs to stay healthy for the Hoosiers to accomplish all their goals this season.
Preseason Position Previews
Continue to follow along with Hoosier Huddle’s coverage as we quickly approach opening kickoff!