For Fernando Mendoza, the Pop-Tarts Bowl represents more than just another football game—it’s a homecoming. The California Golden Bears quarterback will lead his team against the Miami Hurricanes in Orlando, Florida, not far from where his family has roots and where his journey to becoming one of the Pac-12’s top quarterbacks began.
A California Kid with Florida Ties
While Mendoza grew up in Covina, California, his family’s connection to Florida runs deep. His grandparents on his mother’s side live in Miami, and he spent many childhood summers visiting them, attending Miami Hurricanes games at Hard Rock Stadium, and playing youth football in South Florida leagues.
“Florida has always felt like a second home to me,” Mendoza said during bowl week. “I have so many great memories here, and playing in this bowl game feels like coming full circle. The fact that we’re playing Miami makes it even more special.”
The irony isn’t lost on anyone: Mendoza, who once cheered for the Hurricanes as a kid, will now be trying to beat them. But that’s exactly the kind of storyline that makes college football special, and it’s one that Mendoza is embracing.
The Road to Berkeley
Mendoza’s path to Cal was shaped by his experiences in both California and Florida. As a high school quarterback at Covina High School, he developed his skills under the guidance of coach Mike Christensen, who emphasized fundamentals, film study, and mental preparation.
But it was during those summer trips to Florida that Mendoza’s competitive fire was truly ignited. Playing 7-on-7 tournaments against some of the nation’s top talent, he learned to compete at a higher level and developed the confidence that would serve him well in college.
“Those Florida tournaments were intense,” Mendoza recalled. “You’re going up against kids who are going to Alabama, Georgia, Clemson—the best of the best. It taught me that I could compete with anyone if I prepared properly and trusted my abilities.”
When it came time to choose a college, Mendoza had offers from several programs, including some in Florida. But Cal’s combination of academic excellence, offensive system, and opportunity to play early won him over.
Rising Through the Ranks
Mendoza’s freshman year at Cal was spent learning and developing. He redshirted, using the year to master the playbook, work with the strength and conditioning staff, and adjust to the speed of the college game. The patience paid off.
In 2023, Mendoza won the starting job and never looked back. He threw for over 3,000 yards, led Cal to a bowl game, and established himself as one of the Pac-12’s rising stars. His ability to make all the throws, combined with his mobility and football IQ, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
“Fernando has everything you want in a quarterback,” Cal head coach Justin Wilcox said. “He’s smart, he’s tough, he’s accurate, and he’s a natural leader. He makes everyone around him better.”
The 2024 season brought new challenges. With a revamped offensive line and several new receivers, Mendoza had to adjust his game and help younger players develop. Despite some early struggles, he continued to improve, throwing for over 3,200 yards and 24 touchdowns while maintaining a completion percentage above 67%.
The Miami Matchup
Facing Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl is a dream matchup for Mendoza. The Hurricanes boast one of the nation’s top defenses, featuring a dominant defensive line and a secondary that has intercepted 15 passes this season. It’s exactly the kind of challenge that Mendoza has been preparing for his entire career.
“Miami’s defense is as good as any we’ve faced,” Mendoza said. “They’re physical, they’re fast, and they’re well-coached. But we have a great game plan, and I’m confident in our ability to execute.”
The key for Cal will be establishing the run game early to keep Miami’s pass rush honest. If the Bears can run the ball effectively with Jaydn Ott and create play-action opportunities, Mendoza will have chances to attack Miami’s secondary down the field.
Mendoza’s mobility will also be crucial. Miami’s defense is designed to contain pocket passers, but Mendoza’s ability to extend plays with his legs and make throws on the run adds a dimension that the Hurricanes will have to account for.
Family and Motivation
For Mendoza, having his extended family in attendance adds an extra layer of motivation. His grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins will all be at the game, many of them wearing Cal gear for the first time in their lives.
“It means the world to me to have them there,” Mendoza said. “They’ve supported me my entire life, and now they get to see me play in person at this level. I want to put on a show for them.”
His grandmother, Maria Mendoza, has been particularly excited about the matchup. A lifelong Miami fan, she joked that she’ll be wearing half Cal colors and half Miami colors to the game.
“I’m so proud of Fernando,” she said in a phone interview. “He’s worked so hard to get to this point. I’ll always love the Hurricanes, but on this day, I’m cheering for my grandson and the Golden Bears.”
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the personal storylines, the Pop-Tarts Bowl represents an important opportunity for Cal’s program. A win over a prestigious program like Miami would provide validation for the progress the Bears have made under Wilcox and create momentum heading into the 2025 season.
For Mendoza, it’s a chance to cement his legacy at Cal and potentially boost his NFL draft stock. Scouts will be watching closely, evaluating his performance against high-level competition and assessing his readiness for the next level.
“This is a big stage,” one NFL scout said. “How Fernando performs in this game will tell us a lot about his ability to handle pressure and execute against elite defenses. It’s a great opportunity for him to show what he can do.”
Ready for the Moment
As game day approaches, Mendoza is focused and confident. He’s studied film, prepared his game plan, and is ready to lead his team onto the field. The homecoming aspect adds emotional weight, but he’s determined not to let it become a distraction.
“At the end of the day, it’s still football,” Mendoza said. “I have a job to do, and that’s to lead our team to victory. Everything else is just noise. I’m ready to go out there and compete.”
When Fernando Mendoza takes the field at the Pop-Tarts Bowl, he’ll be representing more than just Cal. He’ll be representing his family, his hometown, and everyone who has supported him along the way. It’s a homecoming in every sense of the word, and he’s ready to make it memorable.
