Cal stunner: Quarterback Fernando Mendoza enters transfer portal a week before LA Bowl

Cal’s Fernando Mendoza, who has emerged as one of the country’s up-and-coming quarterbacks, announced on social media Wednesday that he’s leaving school and entering the transfer portal.

Mendoza’s surprising departure comes one week before Cal (6-6) faces No. 24 UNLV (10-3) in the LA Bowl and was met with disappointment and frustration by Justin Wilcox. The Bears head coach said he unsuccessfully tried convincing the redshirt sophomore to stay in Berkeley.

“Disappointed for sure,” Wilcox said during a Wednesday news conference.