Indiana's Heisman Winner Almost Joined Georgia

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was one missed call away from committing to the Bulldogs

Feb. 20, 2026 at 8:53pm

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Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback who led Indiana to the national championship, revealed he was very close to transferring to Georgia instead. Mendoza said he was about to call Georgia coach Kirby Smart to commit, but the call didn't go through, leading him to reconsider and ultimately choose Indiana, where he developed into a top NFL prospect under coach Curt Cignetti.

Why it matters

Mendoza's decision had major implications, as Georgia ended up having a strong season with a different quarterback, while Indiana won the national title. This story highlights how a single phone call can dramatically alter the course of a college football season and a player's career trajectory.

The details

After three seasons at the University of California, Mendoza entered the transfer portal and was deciding between Indiana and Georgia. He said he was "lost in the sauce" trying to choose between the two great opportunities, and was about to call Georgia coach Kirby Smart to commit when the call didn't go through. Mendoza then slept on the decision and ultimately chose Indiana, where he thrived under coach Curt Cignetti and became a top NFL prospect.

  • In January 2026, Mendoza was in the transfer portal after his third year at the University of California.
  • On January 1, 2026, Mendoza was about to call Georgia coach Kirby Smart to commit, but the call didn't go through.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback who transferred from the University of California to Indiana, where he led the Hoosiers to the national championship.

Kirby Smart

The head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, who was close to landing Mendoza as a transfer.

Curt Cignetti

The head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers, who convinced Mendoza to join the program and develop him into an NFL prospect.

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What they’re saying

“I had to trust my gut, trust God, and it was a tough situation. I was really, really going in between the two, and honestly, I was confused. I was lost in the sauce because they were just both great situation, and I was like, 'Oh, this is a win-win.' And evidently, God helped me guide that path. It was a very tough decision.”

— Fernando Mendoza (The Ticket Top 10 radio show)

“You're gonna become the best quarterback you can become here. I know I can develop you. I develop quarterbacks. I'm not gonna give you a crystal ball and say we're gonna win the national championship, but I know you're going to be a hell of a quarterback and the best quarterback in the Big Ten.”

— Curt Cignetti, Indiana Head Coach (The Ticket Top 10 radio show)

What’s next

Mendoza is now the favorite to be the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft after his standout season at Indiana.

The takeaway

This story highlights how a single phone call can have a major impact on a player's college career and the trajectory of an entire college football season. Mendoza's decision to ultimately choose Indiana over Georgia proved to be the right one, as he developed into a top NFL prospect and led the Hoosiers to a national championship.