With the College Football Playoff looming, Indiana coach Curt Cignetti is already preparing for life after Fernando Mendoza. The Heisman-winning quarterback, who has led the Hoosiers to favorite status in the CFP, is widely expected to enter the NFL Draft, leaving Indiana facing a major question at the position.
Indiana Eyes a Familiar Face as It Prepares for Life After Mendoza
Mendoza hoisted the Heisman Trophy. Now, as the top seed in the CFP bracket, the team looks to cap its year with another trophy. Despite one year of eligibility remaining, Mendoza, who already holds a bachelor’s in business from California, likely won’t return to school. Many believe he will be a top pick in the first round. With these circumstances, Cignetti must plan for the future.
“Sources have mentioned to @chris_hummer and me that Texas Tech and Indiana could be among the schools of interest for Cincinnati QB transfer Brendan Sorsby.
It’s also still possible Sorsby could head to the NFL. If he turns pro, he would have a shot to go in the first couple rounds.”
Sources have mentioned to @chris_hummer and me that Texas Tech and Indiana could be among the schools of interest for Cincinnati QB transfer Brendan Sorsby.
It’s also still possible Sorsby could head to the NFL. Would have a shot to go in the first couple rounds if he turns pro. https://t.co/7pQ0PCvlS7 pic.twitter.com/rHc1oBRtW7
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 15, 2025
Sorsby, a redshirt junior for the Bearcats, threw for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns, adding nine rushing touchdowns. Indiana would be a full circle moment, having played his first two seasons for the Hoosiers. He was the tenth-ranked passer in PFSN’s QB Impact metric.
With news that Sorsby is entering the transfer portal, all options appear to be on the table.
Brendan Sorsby is planning to enter the portal. Not impossible that he decides to go pro. Texas Tech and Indiana are two schools to watch in this one. https://t.co/TB5a1OK0Ot
— Max Olson (@max_olson) December 15, 2025
“Brendan Sorsby is planning to enter the portal. Not impossible that he decides to go pro. Texas Tech and Indiana are two schools to watch in this one.”
What stands out about Sorsby is his ability to throw vertically with exceptional velocity. At 6’3″ and 235 pounds, he generates impressive spin with evolving mechanics, using a wide separation between his lower body and torso. Like a tightly pulled rubber band, this torque allows him to make longer throws.
Despite suggestions that Sorsby could be a first-round quarterback, there are aspects of his game that he still needs to refine, something that playing at Indiana might help him with. He needs to scan the field more efficiently to make proper reads, as occasional lag can hurt plays. Additionally, Sorsby sometimes focuses on a single target, overlooking late-breaking routes that keep drives alive.
For context, when Cignetti came to Indiana, he trusted Kurtis Rourke last season, a decision that yielded an 11-2 record with 3,042 yards and 29 touchdowns. If Indiana performs well in the CFP, Sorsby’s decision could be made before the end of next month, a timeline that adds urgency to the Hoosiers’ search for their next quarterback.
