Source: Cal to begin QB Mendoza vs

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior WriterAug 31, 2024, 01:00 PM ET

Close

• College football press reporter.
• Signed up with ESPN.com in 2008.
• Graduate of Northwestern University.Cal will begin Fernando Mendoza at

quarterback for Saturday’s opener versus UC Davis, although transfer Chandler Rogers likewise is expected to play, a source informed ESPN.Mendoza, a redshirt sophomore from Miami, began Cal’s final 8 games last season and had 1,708 passing yards with 14 goal passes and 10 interceptions as the Bears made their very first championship game given that 2019. He has actually contended throughout the offseason with Rogers, a transfer from North Texas who had 3,382 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and 5 interceptions last season.Both quarterbacks were noted as co-starters on the depth chart this week. Mike Bloesch makes his debut as Cal’s offending planner after acting as offensive line coach in 2023. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound Mendoza had multiple passing touchdowns in six games last season.

Rogers made 19 starts at Louisiana-Monroe before transferring to North Texas last fall.