Fernando Mendoza says he nearly committed to Georgia over Indiana, but call to Kirby Smart didn't go through
CBS Sports
by
Brad Crawford
February 19, 2026
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Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Indiana, revealed that he nearly committed to Georgia during his transfer process before ultimately choosing the Hoosiers. In a recent interview, Mendoza shared how close he was to calling Georgia coach Kirby Smart to announce his decision, but the call went unanswered. This pivotal moment led him to sleep on the decision and eventually commit to Indiana under Curt Cignetti, where he would later shatter program records en route to a historic season.
Mendoza’s recruitment was highly sought after by elite programs, including Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State, due to his impressive college career with 4,712 yards passing and 30 touchdowns over two seasons at California. His decision between Georgia and Indiana came down to the strong coaching staffs, program cultures, and the potential for success at both schools. Mendoza ultimately chose Indiana, where he became Cignetti’s fifth starting quarterback in five years, all of whom went on to achieve All-American or all-conference status.
Mendoza’s impact at Indiana was immediate and historic. He led the Hoosiers to their first national championship in college football, capping off an unforgettable season with a near-perfect playoff performance. His leadership, both on and off the field
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/19/2026