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Compare College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza, Trinidad Chambliss, Dante Moore, and Carson Beck: stats, style and more.
Fernando Mendoza is the Heisman Trophy-winning starting quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers, but did you know that his brother, Alberto, is actually his direct backup quarterback?
So, if something happens on Friday, January 8, during the team’s College Football Playoff (CFP) game against the Oregon Ducks that forces Fernando to be sidelined, Alberto will step in.
Fernando, a Miami native, has helped Indiana secure a 13-0 record, a Big Ten Championship, and the No. 1 seed in the CFP. Now, standing behind Fernando is a brother who’s ready to step up and cover for his brother if something goes wrong.
Here’s what you need to know about Fernando Mendoza’s brother, Alberto.
1. Indiana Football Backup Quarterback Alberto Mendoza Wants to Take Over Next Season
Fernando Mendoza hasn’t announce if he’s returning to the Hoosiers or going into the NFL draft, but Indiana did sign TCU’s Josh Hoover in the transfer portal, which is a sign that Fernando is likely to leave.
Alberto told The Herald-Times at the team’s Rose Bowl win that the staff has kept him up to date on their plans at the position and wants to take over if he brother leaves.
“They’ve shown they really like me and feel like I’ve developed really well, and think I can be a great player,” Alberto said, according to the Herald-Times. “Coach Cig has really emphasized that I have a really bright future.”
2. Indiana Hoosiers Football Quarterback Alberto Mendoza By the Numbers and Stats
For the 2025 season, Alberto has clocked 286 yards on 18-of-24 passing with five touchdowns and one interception, according to ESPN research. He carried the ball 13 times for 190 yards, too, with a score. Alberto also played double-digit snaps in six regular season games and appeared in the Rose Bowl.
Alberto and Fernando Mendoza became history in this season. They were crowned first set of brothers to throw a touchdown pass in the same game for the same team since 2015.
3. Alberto Mendoza is Slowly Building a Social Following
Fernando Mendoza has a quarter of a million Instagram followers, but Alberto is slowing building his own following. Alberto is up to almost 25,000 followers, so he’s not there yet, but he’s getting there.
His latest post went up five weeks ago, commemorating his game with the Hoosiers. One fan commented, “Aloha! Congratulations to both of you with your brother winning the Big Ten championship game. It’s so beautiful to see two brothers playing together in in one team at IU football. That’s pretty special. Good Luck at the Rose Bowl.”
4. His Brother, Of Couse, Is Drawing Attention After His Heisman Trophy Win
If this year had a face, it would be Fernando Mendoza. The Heisman Trophy winner and backbone of Indiana’s offense hasn’t just filled a stat sheet. He’s owned it.
The redshirt junior has thrown for more than 3,100 yards with 36 touchdown passes and just six interceptions this season, while also contributing around 250 rushing yards and six more scores on the ground, according to research from the NCAA. Those numbers sit among the nation’s elite and rank him at or near the top of all FBS quarterbacks this year.
Mendoza’s season was also marked by consistency. His ability to elevate his offense in critical moments helped Indiana go through the regular season undefeated and claim a Big Ten title before rolling into the playoff as the No. 1 seed.
What makes Mendoza particularly fun to watch isn’t just the volume of his production. His efficiency and decision‑making really sets him apart. He completes a high percentage of his throws, according to SI, makes crisp reads.
In short: Mendoza isn’t just Indiana’s signal‑caller. He’s the team’s heartbeat, and his brother Alberto isn’t far behind.
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
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