Star quarterback Fernando Mendoza enters the NCAA transfer portal | football

Cal’s star quarterback Fernando Mendoza is entering the transfer portal, he announced via X on Wednesday morning.

“Every person is shaped by decisions that inevitably shape their life, and they rarely lack seriousness. But for the sake of my football future, I made this decision,” Mendoza said in a post on X.

In his first – and now only – full season as the Bears’ starter, Mendoza threw for 3,004 passing yards and 16 touchdowns along with six interceptions. The redshirt sophomore has been an instant fan favorite since winning the starting job midway through the 2023 season.

“To Coach Wilcox and the coaching staff: You have all helped me mature and develop as a leader. Above all, you have had a positive impact on me as a person. Her influence on my life extended far beyond the painted lines. Your wisdom, guidance and compassion are things that cannot be measured and for that I am eternally grateful,” Mendoza said in the post.

In over 20 career starts, Mendoza has thrown for 4,712 yards, 30 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Miami Local’s services are expected to be in high demand in the coming days. His announcement comes a day after the Bears named Bryan Harsin as their new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

This is certainly another blow to the program, especially after losing five-star prospect Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele to Oregon.

While head coach Justin Wilcox assured that every player on the team would play in the upcoming Art of Sport LA Bowl hosted by Gronk, it remains to be seen whether Mendoza will suit up in the Berkeley blue and California gold one final time.