BERKELEY — Fernando Mendoza was certain he would never leave Cal, the only FBS school that offered him a scholarship.

“My opinion has not changed on this and I believe it will not change,” he said two years ago during the week leading to the Big Game. “Looking back on it, if I had any offer in the nation, I would choose Cal. The greenest pasture is here. I think this is the best situation for me.”

Barely a year later, Mendoza jumped into the transfer portal and found his new green pasture at Indiana. This season, while quarterbacking the unbeaten No. 2-ranked Hoosiers, he has emerged as a Heisman Trophy candidate.

Cal’s current hot quarterback, freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, certainly will have offseason opportunities to go elsewhere if he wishes. Schools will line up for his talent

See Full Page