Curt Cignetti was a transfer portal trader this time last year. When he was assembling his team after taking the Indiana job, he was very active in the portal. He brought in 30 transfers by the 2024 season.

The biggest addition was Kurtis Rourke, formerly of Ohio University. Within a year, Rourke went from MAC Player of the Year to potential draft pick and led the Hoosiers to the College Football Playoff.

So it shouldn’t be a surprise if Cignetti turns to the portal to acquire a quarterback for the second straight year. And he already has his sights set on one.

California quarterback Fernando Mendoza is on Cignetti’s shortlist. Mendoza has already visited Bloomington, but according to On3 ($), there has been no progress since then, in part due to finals week.

On3 speculates that Georgia could be on their way to defeating Mendoza, but right now it looks like Cignetti and the Hoosiers are in the lead.

Given his feel for talented quarterbacks ending up in the transfer portal, Cignetti could view Mendoza as the Hoosiers’ top candidate. In Cal’s first season in the ACC, Mendoza threw for over 3,000 yards with 16 touchdowns.

Despite not having a particularly promising season, Cal showed a lot of potential this season and even led Cal to nearly beating Miami earlier in the season.

Cignetti could lean on under-the-radar prospects. It worked for Rourke and could be his secret weapon. Mendoza is not a top prospect like John Mateer, Kaidon Salter or even Darian Mensah. But he can produce.

Indiana has two young talents in Tayven Jackson and Tyler Cherry to support Rourke. But experience is key. Mendoza will have two years of eligibility, giving Cignetti a player to build around while also having the opportunity to be a day one starter.

I’m not saying it’s guaranteed that Mendoza will end up in Bloomington. But Cignetti is jumping into the deep end when it comes to dabbling in the transfer portal. Mendoza could be the perfect replacement after Rourke’s dominant season.