How Miami 'pushed hard' to flip Fernando Mendoza from Indiana in transfer portal
On3 • • sports
Key Points:
- Fernando Mendoza, a star transfer quarterback from Cal, initially committed to Indiana on Christmas Eve 2024 despite late efforts by Miami to flip him, including repeated calls from Miami head coach Mario Cristobal.
- Mendoza chose Indiana over Miami due to the Hoosiers’ consistent recruitment and the opportunity to play alongside his brother Alberto, with financial considerations not being a factor as he is earning over $2 million this season.
- After Indiana finalized Mendoza’s paperwork, Miami shifted focus to transfer quarterback Carson Beck, who later entered the transfer portal and became Miami’s top target.
- Mendoza’s decision has paid off as he won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to dominant College Football Playoff victories and their first Big Ten championship since 196
