Miami ——Twelve months ago, Fernando Mendoza Faced with a crucial transfer decision. The impact of that choice will be felt Monday night on the national championship field.
On Christmas Eve 2024, Mendoza verbally committed Indiana. star Carl Transfer quarterback coming soon Curt Signetti They chose the Indians after Georgia showed strong interest in them. I had the opportunity to play ball with my brother, Albertoand raise the level of Indiana college football playoff The appearance is very attractive.
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But Mendoza’s Indiana paperwork has not been processed for nearly a week. During that time, Miami and head coach Mario Cristobal Sources told On3 he made a strong push to flip the quarterback from the Indians. Miami also pursues Darian Mensah and John Martel In the portal, but for a while, the Hurricanes hit Mendoza with all their might.
“They came in late and they definitely pushed hard and Indiana won because they were consistent the whole way,” said Alberto Mendoza, who confirmed that Miami went all out to topple his brother. “We thought the best place for him was Indiana.”
On January 10, 2025, ten days after Mendoza’s paperwork with Indiana was finalized, Carson Baker Announced that he would forgo the NFL Draft and enter the transfer portal. former Georgia The quarterback quickly became Miami’s top transfer target.
Cristobal and Hurricane continue to work on flipping Mendoza before Baker goes into the portal. That included multiple phone calls from Cristobal. The quarterback grew up a Miami fan and attended christopher columbus high schoolabout five miles from the University of Miami campus.
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Mendoza has been with the Indians because from the moment he entered the gate, they were on him. Sources told On3 that finances were not a deciding factor; he will make more than $2 million this season in Indiana.
indiana offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan Indiana admitted to On3 on Saturday that the Hoosiers were aware of Miami’s offer.
“We know about it,” he said. “There were a lot of suitors out there. We were lucky that he ended up choosing us. Recruiting is never over until he signs that document. So we’re lucky that he chose Indiana.”
Alberto Mendoza recalled sitting with his brother during the process, outlining the pros and cons of each plan to pursue the Cal transfer quarterback. He wanted to keep his brother in Bloomington, but he knew Fernando had to evaluate every option.
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“I let him make his own decision,” Alberto Mendoza said. “I gave him all the pros and cons that I saw at each school, and obviously Indiana was a little more in-depth. I don’t know [what would have happened if he went to Miami]but the Lord had a plan, and it worked. I’m happy with it. “
Fernando Mendoza’s decision to stay in Indiana paid off. He won the Heisman Trophy last month as the Hoosiers cruised to the College Football Playoff with dominant wins over Alabama and Oregon State. He’s been productive and has more touchdowns than incompletions in the CFP.
Shanahan said Mendoza’s film at Cal stood out immediately, but his biggest question was how he would handle adversity. Mendoza led the Indians on the game-winning drive against Penn State on the road, culminating in a touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr. in the back of the end zone.
The quarterback also resurfaced in the Big Ten title game after taking a hard hit on the first play of the game against Ohio State. The Indians went on to win 13-10 to capture their first Big Ten title since 1967.
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“Everyone was holding their breath, but I was impressed by his willingness to fight for his teammates every time.”
Fernando Mendoza and Carson Baker will compete for the national championship on Monday night. The Cal transfer quarterback elevated Indiana to status in his lone season in Bloomington. Baker found redemption with the Hurricanes a year after a disappointing career at Georgia.
None of this would have happened if Mendoza hadn’t played against Indiana in Miami. In college football, quick decisions are important, even in the transfer portal.
“They delayed, very late,” Alberto Mendoza said of Miami’s efforts to land his brother.
