Georgia Tech names transfer Alberto Mendoza starting QB

Mendoza, brother of Heisman winner, impresses in spring game

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:25pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football quarterback in the act of throwing, with the player's body and the ball broken down into abstract shapes and planes of muted earth tones and deep blues.A new era begins at Georgia Tech as transfer quarterback Alberto Mendoza takes the reins of the Yellow Jackets' offense.Atlanta Today

Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key announced that transfer quarterback Alberto Mendoza will be the Yellow Jackets' starting quarterback for the 2026 season. Mendoza, the brother of former Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, finished the team's spring game 12-of-16 for 148 yards, impressing Key and cementing his status as the new leader of the offense.

Why it matters

With the departure of previous starting QB Haynes King, Georgia Tech was in need of a new signal-caller to lead the program. The selection of Alberto Mendoza, a transfer with impressive pedigree, signals a new era for the Yellow Jackets and raises expectations for the team's offensive production in the upcoming season.

The details

Coach Brent Key said Mendoza would be the starting QB if the team played a game this weekend, shortly after the conclusion of Georgia Tech's spring game. In that contest, Mendoza completed 12 of his 16 pass attempts for 148 yards, showcasing the skills that led Key to tab him as the team's new starting quarterback.

  • Georgia Tech concluded its spring game on March 10, 2026.
  • Coach Brent Key made the announcement about Mendoza being the starting QB shortly after the spring game.

The players

Brent Key

The head coach of the Georgia Tech football team.

Alberto Mendoza

The transfer quarterback who will be Georgia Tech's starting QB for the 2026 season.

Fernando Mendoza

Alberto Mendoza's brother, who won the Heisman Trophy.

Haynes King

The previous starting quarterback for Georgia Tech, who has since departed the program.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Brent Key says he's been 'very pleased' with Mendoza, who finished the spring game 12-of-16 for 148 yards.”

— Brent Key, Head Coach

The takeaway

The selection of Alberto Mendoza as Georgia Tech's new starting quarterback signals a fresh start for the program, with high expectations for the offense led by a talented transfer with impressive family ties. Mendoza's strong spring performance has positioned him well to take over the reins of the Yellow Jackets' offense in 2026.