Alberto Mendoza decision confirms major change for Indiana in 2026

In 36 career games, Hoover has completed 65.2 percent of his pass attempts for 9,629 yards (8.1 yards per attempt), 71 touchdowns and 33 interceptions. Mendoza, meanwhile, has 25 career pass attempts, with 24 coming in mop-up duty this season.

According to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are a leading candidate for Mendoza. The Duke Blue Devils need a quarterback after Darian Mensah entered his name into the portal, making them a viable option, too.

His Indiana departure should benefit both parties. While the Hoosiers will ride the high of this national title for years, we shouldn't expect a massive drop-off next season. 

Per On3, Indiana has the second-ranked transfer portal class, adding 16 four- and three-star players while only losing five. Head coach Curt Cignetti was unlikely to entrust the relatively unknown younger Mendoza with a team well-positioned to compete for back-to-back championships in 2026, making a transfer his most realistic path to getting extended playing time in the fall. 

Mendoza's decision guarantees his time at Indiana ends on the highest of notes. It also puts a tidy bow on the greatest chapter in program history, allowing others to author the sequel.