Coach Brent Key has made it clear why the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets secured quarterback Alberto Mendoza in the transfer portal in the 2026 offseason.
In an interview with College Football Insider, Pete Nakos for On3, Key pointed to Mendoza’s work ethic as the ultimate deciding factor.
“We found a guy that’s literally the first in the building every day, will not be beat in the building,” Key said. “He’s going to be the last one to leave. It’s Saturday, it’s Sunday. He’s just coming in, ‘Hey, can I come hang out? Sit with y’all and listen?’ He is ball all day long.”
Key is also aware of Mendoza being a straight-A student.
Alberto Mendoza’s recruitment happened quickly. After the Indiana Hoosiers won the 2026 national championship on Jan. 19, he entered the transfer portal in less than a day. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets reached out to him right away and secured Mendoza ahead of other teams like the Duke Blue Devils.
In the 2025 season, Mendoza mostly played as a backup to his brother, Fernando Mendoza, who led Indiana to the championship.
After Hayes Fawcett, a football recruiting social media expert at On3, reported the news of Alberto Mendoza’s transfer on Jan. 21, his brother Fernando reacted to the commitment to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
He first shared a GIF of a honey bee flying, then followed it up with comments that read, “CONGRATS” and “YESSSSSSIRRRRR.”
For Fernando, the next big thing is the 2026 NFL draft. He is the consensus favorite to be selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Alberto Mendoza’s Farewell Post to Indiana Hoosiers Garnered 115K Fans’ Support
Alberto Mendoza posted his farewell to Indiana on Jan. 20. In his post, he expressed deep gratitude for his time in Bloomington.
“Hoosier Nation, now that the season has ended, I’ve had time to reflect on just how special this journey was,” Mendoza wrote. “Being part of the 2024-25 Indiana Hoosier football team has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. I’m incredibly grateful for every moment, every relationship, and every lesson.”
He went on to explain the tough decision to move to Georgia Tech.
“After a lot of prayer, reflection, and conversations with my family, I’ve decided to transfer to Georgia Tech,” he added. “This wasn’t an easy decision, but opportunities in this game are short, and sometimes chasing your dreams requires difficult choices. To my teammates, thank you for the brotherhood, love, and belief. You made this experience unforgettable, and I’ll carry this group with me forever.”
The timing of the transfer was no coincidence.
First, right before the title game, the Indiana Hoosiers brought in Josh Hoover from the TCU Horned Frogs. This hinted that the starting job for 2026 was likely already filled.
At the same time, things were opening up at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Since Haynes King graduated and Aaron Philo was transferred to Florida Gators, it signaled that the path to the starting quarterback spot at Georgia Tech is open.
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