There are definitely going to be people who get left out in musical chairs. A lot of walk-ons. A lot of athletes who are essentially using it as an excuse to dropout. I just want to encourage people to focus on the macro and not on the micro, though I know the stories are a lot more compelling on the micro level ("I know a guy who...").
On the macro level, we're hearing that there isn't enough opportunity for high school students because college rosters aren't turning over fast enough. Conversely, we're seeing players enter the portal and not end up anywhere. Those two things are at odds with each other and both are framed as negatives.
I have to imagine JuCo teams have leveled up with all of this.
StevensTechU wrote: Tue Jan 20, 2026 9:10 am
Fernando Mendoza's brother, Alberto, is leaving Indiana. He's actually looked pretty good in mop up duty this season.
Interesting. I suppose it makes sense since his brother is off to the NFL and IU has already got Josh Hoover from TCU through the portal.
Do you think he might end up at Miam? That's where his family is and they just paid a lot of money for a QB from Duke. I don't know who they have as far as depth, but it might make sense unless he finds an opportunity elsewhere. That seems unlikely in this late stage of the portal.
StevensTechU wrote: Tue Jan 20, 2026 9:10 am
Fernando Mendoza's brother, Alberto, is leaving Indiana. He's actually looked pretty good in mop up duty this season.
Interesting. I suppose it makes sense since his brother is off to the NFL and IU has already got Josh Hoover from TCU through the portal.
Do you think he might end up at Miam? That's where his family is and they just paid a lot of money for a QB from Duke. I don't know who they have as far as depth, but it might make sense unless he finds an opportunity elsewhere. That seems unlikely in this late stage of the portal.
My guess is that he goes somewhere he can start, even if it's a mid major. With the rules the way they are now, if you play well at a mid major then you'll make a lot of money back at a power program the following season.
StevensTechU wrote: Tue Jan 20, 2026 9:10 am
Fernando Mendoza's brother, Alberto, is leaving Indiana. He's actually looked pretty good in mop up duty this season.
Interesting. I suppose it makes sense since his brother is off to the NFL and IU has already got Josh Hoover from TCU through the portal.
Do you think he might end up at Miam? That's where his family is and they just paid a lot of money for a QB from Duke. I don't know who they have as far as depth, but it might make sense unless he finds an opportunity elsewhere. That seems unlikely in this late stage of the portal.
My guess is that he goes somewhere he can start, even if it's a mid major. With the rules the way they are now, if you play well at a mid major then you'll make a lot of money back at a power program the following season.
StevensTechU wrote: Tue Jan 20, 2026 9:10 am
Fernando Mendoza's brother, Alberto, is leaving Indiana. He's actually looked pretty good in mop up duty this season.
Interesting. I suppose it makes sense since his brother is off to the NFL and IU has already got Josh Hoover from TCU through the portal.
Do you think he might end up at Miam? That's where his family is and they just paid a lot of money for a QB from Duke. I don't know who they have as far as depth, but it might make sense unless he finds an opportunity elsewhere. That seems unlikely in this late stage of the portal.
My guess is that he goes somewhere he can start, even if it's a mid major. With the rules the way they are now, if you play well at a mid major then you'll make a lot of money back at a power program the following season.
Going to Georgia Tech.
That's cool. I hope he gets a fair chance at earning some playing time there. He's still close to home, too.
