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Fernando Mendoza’s meteoric rise has Indiana football buzzing, and one quiet storyline gaining attention is his younger brother, Alberto. As Fernando captures national headlines and a No. 1 playoff seed, Alberto waits in the wings as Indiana’s reserve signal-caller. His path is distinct, but tied closely to his brother’s spotlight.
Alberto Mendoza: the backup QB in Bloomington
Alberto Mendoza arrived at Indiana after signing late in 2023 and enrolling the following summer. He serves as the Hoosiers’ second option under center behind his older brother. He is officially Indiana’s backup quarterback, a role that puts him on the sideline for one of college football’s most compelling seasons.
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Age, class status, and eligibility details
Alberto is a redshirt freshman for the Hoosiers. He took a redshirt during his true freshman year to preserve eligibility. While his exact birth date is not public, he falls in the typical 18–19 age range for his class.
On-field experience so far
College game time for Alberto has been limited but instructive. He has been active in a handful of games and has completed some meaningful reps.
- Appearances: played in eight college games across two seasons.
- Passing output: 25 completions for 292 yards and five passing touchdowns.
- Notable moment: he stepped in briefly during the Big Ten title game after an injury scare to Fernando, but only ran a single play.
Those limited minutes provide a glimpse of his potential without defining his ceiling.
Recruiting background and how he chose Indiana
Rated as a 3-star prospect by the 247Sports Composite, Alberto entered the class of 2024 as a mid-tier quarterback recruit nationally. He was listed near the back half of Florida’s overall rankings, but his upside drew attention.
- Class ranking: roughly the No. 84 quarterback in the 2024 cycle.
- State ranking: around No. 204 among Florida recruits in his class.
- Offers: included power-conference interest from Indiana and Duke and multiple Group of Five offers.
Initially committed to James Madison in mid-2023, he shifted plans after Indiana extended a scholarship in December. A visit to Bloomington convinced him to flip and join the Hoosiers program.
High school performance and play style
Alberto developed at Columbus High School in Miami, the same program that produced Fernando. His high school tape showed a dual-threat element and consistent production.
- Passing totals: 4,741 yards over three varsity seasons.
- Passing touchdowns: 58 scoring passes.
- Interceptions: 13 thrown in that stretch.
- Rushing: added 743 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
That level of production made him an attractive target for mid- and upper-level college programs.
Where Alberto fits on Indiana’s quarterback depth chart
The Hoosiers enter the postseason with a clear pecking order under center. Below is the current QB room hierarchy:
- Fernando Mendoza — No. 1, redshirt junior and starter.
- Alberto Mendoza — No. 2, redshirt freshman and primary backup.
- Grant Wilson — veteran depth, redshirt senior.
- Jacob Bell — incoming freshman, developmental prospect.
Alberto’s role is to provide depth, learn the system, and be ready if adversity strikes.
What to watch next for Alberto Mendoza
With Indiana headed to a high-profile bowl and a College Football Playoff quarterfinal, opportunities for Alberto will depend on game flow and health. Keep an eye on:
- Playing time in mop-up situations or if the starter exits a game.
- Practice reports that hint at his command of the offense.
- How coaches manage quarterback reps in bowl prep and the offseason.
His development this year sets the foundation for more significant chances ahead.
