Alberto Mendoza Emerges as Georgia Tech's Starting QB After Spring Game

The younger brother of 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza looks to lead the Yellow Jackets in 2026.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:35pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the various angles and movements of a college football quarterback's throwing motion, with no recognizable faces or identifiable elements.A cubist interpretation of a college quarterback's throwing motion captures the dynamic energy and complexity of the position.New Orleans Today

Georgia Tech quarterback Alberto Mendoza, the younger brother of 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, has solidified his status as the Yellow Jackets' starting QB after an impressive performance in the team's spring game. Head coach Brent Key praised Mendoza's progress and said he is the clear leader to take over the offense in 2026, as the Yellow Jackets look to bounce back from a disappointing end to the 2025 season.

Why it matters

As the younger brother of a Heisman Trophy winner, Alberto Mendoza has big shoes to fill at Georgia Tech. However, his strong spring game showing indicates he is ready to step out of his brother's shadow and establish himself as a capable starting quarterback in his own right. The Yellow Jackets are hoping Mendoza can help them contend for an ACC title and a spot in the College Football Playoff after narrowly missing out last season.

The details

Mendoza, who transferred from Indiana after the Hoosiers won the national championship in 2025, finished the Georgia Tech spring game 12-of-16 for 148 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Brent Key said Mendoza has done nothing to disappoint and is the clear leader to be the Yellow Jackets' starting QB in the fall. Mendoza will be tasked with replacing Haynes King, the 2025 ACC Player of the Year, as Georgia Tech looks to build on an 8-0 start last season.

  • On Saturday, Mendoza had an impressive showing in Georgia Tech's spring game.
  • Mendoza announced his decision to transfer from Indiana one day after the Hoosiers won the national championship in 2025.

The players

Alberto Mendoza

The younger brother of 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who has emerged as the starting quarterback for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets after a strong spring game performance.

Brent Key

The head coach of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, who praised Mendoza's progress and said he is the clear leader to be the team's starting QB in 2026.

Fernando Mendoza

The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, who is the older brother of Alberto Mendoza and likely to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Haynes King

The 2025 ACC Player of the Year, who was the starting quarterback for Georgia Tech last season before Mendoza's arrival.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, he still has to compete and still has to win the job. But he's done nothing to disappoint me and think that's not going to be the case.”

— Brent Key, Head Coach, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

What’s next

Mendoza will look to solidify his hold on the starting QB job during Georgia Tech's summer practices and preseason camp as the Yellow Jackets prepare for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

With the departure of Haynes King and the arrival of Alberto Mendoza, the younger brother of a Heisman Trophy winner, Georgia Tech has a new face leading its offense. Mendoza's strong spring game performance has him poised to take over as the Yellow Jackets' starting quarterback, and if he can replicate even half of his brother's success, Georgia Tech could be a dark horse contender in the ACC this fall.