Indiana lands back-to-back state champion QB Alberto Mendoza

Indiana's new coaching staff has found its quarterback recruit for the 2024 cycle, and for them it's a familiar face.

Alberto Mendoza, the Miami (Fla.) Columbus passer fresh off of a second-straight state championship win and visit to Bloomington soon after, went public with his verbal commitment to the Hoosiers on Monday morning.

The senior spent the weekend at IU for an official visit, his first impression of campus as a recruit. Obviously it went well enough for the former James Madison recruit to continue his plan to play for Curt Cignetti at his new post.

"It's big time, I'm excited," Mendoza said before the trip. "I was their guy (at JMU), so they still really want me.

"Obviously the coaches have a great history at the position. They took Jordan McCloud to Sun Belt Player of the Year just like the past few quarterbacks there."

The system in Bloomington will reflect that of CHS to a degree, too.

"It's very similar to what I'm used to," Mendoza said. "Using the tight end, sometimes two, dropping back with play-action, all that stuff. So it's a good fit."

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Mendoza waited his turn before getting the reigns at one of Miami's most storied prep powerhouses, following his older brother Fernando Mendoza (now at Cal) as the Explorers' QB1. He wasted no time in showing his combination of accuracy, decision-making and sheer play-making ability with the ball in his hands, leading CHS to the state championship. He even clinched the ring in being on the receiving end of a 'Philly Special' trick play to cap the campaign. Just as impressively, Mendoza just led CHS to its title defense in 2023, this time in a more dominant state championship game victory.

In his two seasons as the starter for Columbus, Mendoza completed more than 70 percent of his passes for more than 4,000 yards and 56 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions. He would add another 500 yards and two scores on the ground, with most of those carries a product of keeping plays alive more than designed for No. 15 to run downhill.

When scouting Mendoza, the winning is the first order of business. He won't overwhelm as a physical prodigy, but captaining a team against Miami-area competition to 27 wins in 30 career starts is just as remarkable as his recent history in the biggest of games across the state. He is a winner, elite decision-maker and the type of leader easy for the others in the huddle to gravitate towards.

As a quarterback, there is a classic mechanical situation with Mendoza and his throwing motion. It's three-quarter, deliberate and quick enough to work both sides of the field. He is confident in his own ability and will make that lasting impression on teammates when it matters most, even if he has to use his legs in the process. Physically, he will continue to get bigger (big brother is listed at 6-foot-5, 220 pounds at Cal) and it will only enhance his arm strength and accuracy.

Mendoza can work to all three levels and process just as quickly given his experience over the last two years. He is comfortable taking what the defense gives him but has a tad of gunslinger in him at the same time, willing to trust his teammates more than an average 'game manager' may. That combination works in the modern, pass-first era of the sport and the intellect Mendoza brings along with it should lead to a successful college run as a QB1 in the Power Five some day.