Mendoza nearly chose Georgia: Call to Smart 'didn't go through'

Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza nearly committed to Georgia before joining Indiana for the 2025 season.

"I was really going in between the two. And honestly, I was confused," Mendoza said during a recent interview on 96.7 The Ticket. "I was lost in the sauce because they were both great situations."

After three seasons at Cal, Mendoza sought a fresh start. Although several powerhouse programs expressed interest, the 22-year-old said his decision came down to Georgia and Indiana.

"There actually might have even been one time where I was literally about to call (head coach) Kirby (Smart) to commit to Georgia, and the call didn't go through," Mendoza said. "And I was like, 'Alright, let me sleep on it tonight.' I really believed God helped me with that."

Mendoza credited his conversations with Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti, along with his morals, as key factors in picking the Hoosiers.

"'You're going to be the best quarterback you can become here,'" Mendoza said regarding Cignetti's recruitment messages to him. "'I know I can develop you. I develop quarterbacks. I'm not going to give you a crystal ball and say we're going to win a national championship, but I know you're going to be a hell of a quarterback and the best quarterback in the Big Ten.'"

Mendoza chose Indiana in December 2024, joining his brother Alberto. He led the Hoosiers to a national championship in 2025, becoming the school's first Heisman winner and breaking multiple program records during a historic 16-0 season.

Georgia rolled with Gunner Stockton as its starting quarterback after missing on Mendoza in the portal. Stockton guided the Bulldogs to their second straight SEC title and a College Football Playoff appearance.

Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, six interceptions, and completed 72% of his passes. The Miami native won several accolades for his 2025 campaign, including the Davey O'Brien and Walter Camp Awards.