Wisconsin is considered one of the contenders to land Cal transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.
Nakos lists the Badgers among three other top suitors: Georgia, UCLA and Indiana.
Mendoza entered the transfer portal this week after three years at Cal, two as the primary starter. He broke out for a career-best 2024 season, leading the Bears to their second consecutive bowl under head coach Justin Wilcox. Mendoza completed 68.7% of his passes during the campaign for 3,004 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions.
247Sports currently ranks him as a four-star transfer recruit, the No. 9 overall player in the portal and the No. 2 quarterback. He is in the portal with two years of eligibility remaining.
Georgia, Indiana, UCLA, and Wisconsin are contenders for Cal transfer QB Fernando Mendoza, per @PeteNakos_đź‘€
Mendoza passed for 3,004 yards, 16 TDs, and 6 INTs this season.
Intel: https://t.co/PhkKMtPJxs pic.twitter.com/9qHVnq69h4
— On3 (@On3sports) December 12, 2024
On the surface, Mendoza seems like a perfect fit for the Badgers. The program just welcomed in top-ranked freshman Carter Smith, though will need a few bridge years before he’s ready to start. Mendoza could provide much-needed stability to a position that has seen three different starters in three years — four in four years when 2025 is considered.
Wisconsin is also looking for immediate results under new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes. While the program is moving back to a more pro-style approach, strong play under center remains a requisite to compete at the highest level.
The Badgers’ 2025 schedule defines that ‘highest level.’
Mendoza’s recruitment is worth watching as the Badgers battle several top programs for his commitment. Wisconsin has done well the last two offseason to land a highly-pursued veteran. The Cal transfer could be the next to follow.
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