Fernando Mendoza’s path to becoming California’s starting quarterback wasn’t a straight line, but it’s been a journey worth following. From his high school days in Southern California to his emergence as one of the Pac-12’s most talented signal-callers, Mendoza has consistently defied expectations and overcome obstacles.
The Early Years
Growing up in Covina, California, Mendoza wasn’t always the star quarterback. He spent his freshman and sophomore years at Covina High School as a backup, learning the position and developing his skills. It wasn’t until his junior year that he earned the starting job, and once he did, he never looked back.
In his final two seasons at Covina, Mendoza threw for over 5,000 yards and 52 touchdowns, leading his team to back-to-back playoff appearances. His senior year performance—3,127 yards and 31 touchdowns—earned him All-CIF Southern Section honors and caught the attention of college recruiters across the country.
“Fernando was always a late bloomer,” his high school coach Mike Christensen recalled. “But once he figured it out, there was no stopping him. His work ethic and football IQ were off the charts.”
Choosing Cal
Despite receiving offers from several Power Five programs, Mendoza chose to stay close to home and play for the California Golden Bears. The decision was influenced by several factors: the opportunity to play in the Pac-12, Cal’s strong academic reputation, and the chance to compete for playing time early in his career.
“Cal felt like the right fit from the beginning,” Mendoza said. “The coaches believed in me, the academic opportunities were incredible, and I loved the idea of playing in Berkeley. It just felt like home.”
Mendoza arrived at Cal in 2022 as a true freshman and immediately impressed coaches with his arm talent and poise. While he didn’t see significant playing time his first year, he used the redshirt season to learn the offense and develop his understanding of the college game.
Breaking Through
The 2023 season marked Mendoza’s emergence as a legitimate Pac-12 quarterback. After winning the starting job in fall camp, he led Cal to an 8-4 record and a bowl game appearance. He threw for 3,004 yards and 21 touchdowns while completing 65.2% of his passes, earning Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 honors.
But it was his performance in big games that really stood out. Against USC, Mendoza threw for 347 yards and 3 touchdowns in a thrilling 50-49 victory. Against Oregon State, he engineered a fourth-quarter comeback that secured bowl eligibility. Against Stanford in the Big Game, he was nearly perfect, completing 24 of 31 passes for 298 yards and 2 scores.
“That’s when we knew we had something special,” Cal offensive coordinator Mike Bloesch said. “Fernando wasn’t just managing games—he was winning them. His ability to make plays in critical moments separated him from other young quarterbacks.”
The 2024 Season
Entering his sophomore season with high expectations, Mendoza faced new challenges. Opposing defenses had a full year of film to study, and they came prepared with more complex schemes and disguises. The loss of several key offensive linemen to graduation also meant Mendoza would have less time in the pocket and fewer opportunities for deep throws.
Despite these obstacles, Mendoza continued to improve. His completion percentage increased to 67.8%, his touchdown-to-interception ratio improved to 3:1, and his ability to extend plays with his legs became a more prominent part of his game. He rushed for 412 yards and 5 touchdowns, showing a dual-threat capability that made him even more dangerous.
“Fernando has grown so much as a player and as a leader,” Cal head coach Justin Wilcox said. “He’s more confident, more decisive, and more willing to take control of the offense. That growth has been fun to watch.”
One of Mendoza’s most impressive traits is his ability to perform under pressure. According to Pro Football Focus, he completed 68.3% of his passes when facing pressure this season, ranking in the top 15 nationally. His pocket presence and quick decision-making allow him to avoid sacks and make accurate throws even when defenders are closing in.
The NFL Question
As Mendoza prepares for the Pop-Tarts Bowl, questions about his NFL future loom large. He’s eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft, and early projections have him as a potential Day 2 selection. However, many scouts believe another year at Cal could elevate his stock even further.
“Fernando has a lot of the tools NFL teams look for,” one AFC scout said. “He’s got good size, a strong arm, and he’s accurate. But he’s still developing. Another year of experience against top competition would really help him.”
Mendoza has been non-committal about his future, saying only that he’s focused on finishing the season strong and then evaluating his options. Whatever he decides, it’s clear that he has a bright future ahead of him.
Leadership and Character
Beyond his on-field performance, Mendoza has earned respect for his leadership and character. Teammates consistently praise his work ethic, his willingness to take responsibility for mistakes, and his ability to keep the team focused during difficult stretches.
“Fernando is the kind of guy you want leading your team,” wide receiver Jeremiah Hunter said. “He’s always the first one in the building and the last one to leave. He holds himself to an incredibly high standard, and that pushes everyone else to be better.”
Off the field, Mendoza has been equally impressive. He’s maintained a 3.7 GPA while majoring in business administration, volunteered with local youth football programs, and served as a mentor to younger players on the team.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl Opportunity
The Pop-Tarts Bowl against Miami represents a significant opportunity for Mendoza to showcase his abilities on a national stage. The Hurricanes’ defense will provide a stern test, but it’s exactly the kind of challenge that Mendoza has thrived on throughout his career.
“This is what you work for,” Mendoza said. “The chance to compete against great teams in meaningful games. Miami is a fantastic opponent, and we’re excited for the opportunity.”
A strong performance could cap off a successful season and provide momentum heading into 2025—whether that’s at Cal or in the NFL. It’s another chapter in a journey that has been defined by steady improvement, resilience, and a refusal to be limited by others’ expectations.
Fernando Mendoza’s story is still being written, but one thing is clear: the best is yet to come.
