It’s not often that we see top NFL draft prospects coming from underrated programs. But the former Incarnate Word product is one of the exceptions. Miami QB Cam Ward proved that talent outweighs situation and setting when he was named as one of the four finalists for the Heisman Trophy. But this season, there could be another QB in the transfer portal who could mirror Ward’s CFB success. So it’s no wonder why several programs are in pursuit of this standout Cal transfer. 

Cal QB Fernando Mendoza might be one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal after he announced his decision on Wednesday. Josh Pate dropped a dime on the redshirt sophomore in a new YouTube episode on Josh Pate’s College Football Show on December 13. He stated, “There are many people just on the scouting side of this game who think he has NFL upside. 6’5, 225. He’s the No. 9 overall ranked player in the portal right now, No.2 quarterback. Georgia, Indiana, UCLA, and Wisconsin. These are some of the early names that we’ve heard with him.”

Fernando Mendoza is a valuable target for QB-deficient CFB programs, with two seasons of eligibility remaining. Still, many might be sceptical because he’s from Cal who fell 6-6 this season. But Josh Pate has a perfect comeback. He said, “If you didn’t watch a whole lot of Cal this year, you may think ‘Cal?’ Well yeah Cal! Pay close attention. I mean Cam Ward was an Incarnate Word a couple of years ago. So yes, pay attention to Fernando Mendoza.”

Often, the best decision for a highly potential player is to move to a powerhouse program to develop and gain popularity. Cam Ward played two seasons with Incarnate Word in the FCS before moving to the FBS in 2022 to Washington State for two more years. For his final college football season, he moved to Miami and made a Heisman case for himself as well as becoming one of the top QB prospects in the 2025 NFL draft. And if you’ve read the reason why Mendoza is leaving Berkeley, you’ll be convinced he’s serious about his football career. In his social media announcement, he revealed that he’s parting with the Golden Bears “for the sake of my football future.” And perhaps, this could serve as a turning point in his life.

Fernando Mendoza is an excellent QB option

Despite an incompetent 6-6 record, Fernando Mendoza excelled as a QB to be named the third-leading passer in the ACC this season. The Miami native completed 68.7% of his passes for 3,004 yards and 18 total touchdowns and six interceptions in 11 games this season. He has been part of the Cal program since 2022 (redshirt) and made 19 starts in 2023 and 2024. But now that he’s in the portal, he’s experiencing newfound attention from winning teams. 

But Kirby Smart and Georgia may have to take the backseat for now. Among the teams that Josh Pate mentioned, Indiana might hold the best edge. His younger brother Alberto Mendoza joined the Hoosiers this season as the backup QB. Besides, they’re in need of a veteran replacement for their senior starter Kurtis Rourke. And they won’t find much better options than the No. 2 QB in the portal. So, the case is strong for Curt Cignetti and co to pursue this 21-year-old standout. 

Fernando Mendoza entering the portal means that he won’t be sticking around to play Cal’s final bowl game against UNLV on December 18. But surely, big things await him.