Brent Key discusses transfer Alberto Mendoza, Georgia Tech facing Vols
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Alberto Mendoza enters his first season at Georgia Tech in 2026. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound quarterback transferred to the Yellow Jackets from Indiana.
Tennessee will play at Georgia Tech on Sept. 12 in Week 2 at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Kickoff between the Vols and Yellow Jackets is slated for 7 p.m. EDT (ESPN).
Mendoza is one of five quarterbacks on roster for Georgia Tech in 2026. The junior is joined by sophomore Grady Anderson, freshman Cole Bergeron, redshirt sophomore Graham Knowles and senior Ben Guthrie.
Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key discussed Mendoza at ACC media days on July 16. He was asked what stands out the most about the transfer quarterback's game.
“I don't know," Key said. "He hasn't started a college football game yet. I mean, he throws it. I mean, he hasn't started a college game. You think I'm going to sit here and tell you everything he does, and does well, and doesn't do well? Come on, we just talked about the two people – the people we opened up with.
"He's smart, cerebral. Sees the whole field, can get us in and out of good plays, bad plays. He's accurate, has a good release. Mom and dad are great people."
Mendoza appeared in 10 games (zero starts) for the Hoosiers from 2024-25. He completed 19-of-25 passing attempts for 292 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. Mendoza also totaled 187 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown on 15 attempts.
His brother, Fernando Mendoza, won the Heisman Trophy and national championship as Indiana's starting quarterback in 2025.
Key referenced the Yellow Jackets opening their season with Colorado and Tennessee in the first two weeks of the season.
"No different than if we opened up with anybody in the league," Key said. "Our mindset and focus doesn't change. I don't have any corny slogans or sayings, or anything like that to put together with the team. I'm sorry. I didn't bring that with me today, but we're going to show up every day and work our tails off so we can line up and go out and play the type of football that I envision us playing.
"That's regardless of who the opponent is, but I think I said it last year, we would line up and play anybody any time, right? We're very excited about being able to play those opponents. The work has already been in play, and we're excited about them all."
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Brent Key discusses transfer Alberto Mendoza, Georgia Tech facing Vols
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