The Sliding Doors Moment That Shaped College Football
Sometimes, destiny hangs on the simplest of moments—like a phone call that doesn't go through. For Fernando Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and architect of Indiana's historic national championship run, that exact moment rerouted his career and altered the landscape of college football.
A Quarterback's Alternate Reality
Fourteen months ago, Mendoza was a transfer quarterback from Cal seeking a new home. While his eventual commitment to coach Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers is now legendary, a recent interview revealed a stunning 'what if.' Mendoza confessed he initially attempted to pledge his talents to the Georgia Bulldogs, placing a call to head coach Kirby Smart. According to the quarterback, that call simply never connected.
"The call didn't go through," Mendoza stated, a simple statement that echoes with monumental consequence. With that door seemingly closed, Mendoza turned his attention to Indiana, where he would author one of the greatest single seasons in college football history.
The Paths That Diverged
Georgia, meanwhile, moved forward with third-year quarterback Gunner Stockton. Stockton delivered a solid season, earning Third-Team All-SEC honors and guiding the Bulldogs to an SEC championship. However, his struggles in a Sugar Bowl loss to Ole Miss contributed to Georgia's early exit from the College Football Playoff.
Contrast that with Mendoza's storybook year in Bloomington. He didn't just lead the Hoosiers; he carried them to the pinnacle, securing the program's first-ever national title and cementing his own legacy with the Heisman Trophy. The juxtaposition is stark: one quarterback's missed call led to a coronation, while the other's secured path ended in playoff disappointment.
Fan Reaction: Skepticism and Speculation
The revelation sparked intense debate across the sports world. Many fans questioned the logistics of the story, finding it hard to believe one failed call would completely sever communication between a sought-after quarterback and a premier program. "Because when you make a phone call and it doesn't go through, that should cause alarm bells... It can't just be a technical issue?" one skeptical fan commented online.
Others embraced the narrative's poetic irony, focusing on the results. "He made the right decision. He could have been a winner or he could have ended up at Georgia," one user joked, highlighting the unexpected nature of Indiana's triumph. Another pointed to draft implications, noting, "He's probably not the number 1 pick if he went to Georgia," suggesting the spotlight at Indiana was crucial for his development.
The story even prompted introspection from Georgia faithful. "If this is true, Kirby's never going to miss another phone call as long as he's coaching," one Bulldogs supporter mused. Another offered a nuanced take, expressing loyalty to Stockton while acknowledging the tantalizing alternative: "We had some EPIC memories from this season—many due to Gunner... Could Mendoza really have done better? Some ways yes, and many ways no..."
All's Well That Ends Well
In the end, both programs can find satisfaction. Indiana celebrates the greatest season in its history, a fairy tale delivered by a quarterback who arrived through a twist of fate. Georgia looks ahead with Stockton returning for the 2026 season, ready to chase glory once more.
Fernando Mendoza's tale is more than a quirky anecdote; it's a reminder of the fragile threads that weave a season together. One ringtone, one busy signal, one dropped call—and the entire sport shifts on its axis. It leaves us with the ultimate, unanswerable sports question: What could have been?
