Fernando Mendoza's brother establishing self as Georgia Tech starting QB after spring game

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Alberto Mendoza has a tough act to follow.

On Saturday, following an impressive showing in the program's spring game, head coach Brent Key told reporters that Mendoza "is the guy," further strengthening his hold as QB1 entering the summer. (h/t ESPN)

"Obviously, he still has to compete and still has to win the job," Key said during the spring game, per ESPN. "But he's done nothing to disappoint me and think that's not going to be the case."

Mendoza, the younger brother of 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, finished Saturday's scrimmage 12-of-16 for 148 yards and a touchdown.

Brent Key opens up about Alberto Mendoza's starting status following Georgia Tech spring game

Alberto announced his decision to transfer from the Indiana Hoosiers one day after the team capped a perfect 16-0 season with the program's first college football national championship. His brother, Fernando, the likely No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, was a breakout star after transferring from the California Golden Bears, ending 2025 completing 72 percent of his pass attempts for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions.

The younger Mendoza played sparingly in nine games, finishing 18-of-24 (75 percent) for 286 yards, five touchdowns and an interception while adding 190 rushing yards and another touchdown on 13 carries.

As difficult as it will be to replicate his brother's success, Alberto also has big shoes to fill at Georgia Tech as he takes over for quarterback Haynes King, the 2025 ACC Player of the Year. The Yellow Jackets began last season 8-0 before going 1-4 over their final five games, spoiling a chance to win the ACC and qualify for the College Football Playoff. 

If Mendoza has even half the impact his brother had at Indiana, Georgia Tech could contend for a conference title in 2026, and who knows what else. After Indiana's surreal climb, we know better than to put a ceiling on what any team can achieve. 

As Fernando's younger sibling, expectations will be higher for Alberto than for most other career backups starting over in a new location. According to Key, he's checked all the boxes so far.