Mendoza earned his first career start in week six of the 2023 season against Oregon State.[6] He completed 21 of his 32 pass attempts for 207 yards and two touchdowns, with an interception, but the Golden Bears would lose to the Beavers.[7] The following week, Mendoza went 10 of 17 passing for 149 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, in a loss to Utah.[8] Mendoza was named the team's starting quarterback heading forward.[9][10] In eight starts as a redshirt freshman, Mendoza completed 63% of his passes for 1,708 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading the Golden Bears to a 6-7 record and an Independence Bowl appearance.[11]
Entering the 2024 season, Mendoza won the starting quarterback job for Cal, beating out graduate transfer Chandler Rogers.[12] In Week 2 against Auburn, Mendoza completed 25 of 36 passes for 233 yards and 2 touchdowns, leading the Bears to an upset win over the Tigers.[13] Mendoza was named ACC quarterback of the week in back to back games against Oregon State and Wake Forest, setting career-highs in passing yards and completions. His 56 passing attempts against Wake Forest were the most by a Cal quarterback since 2016. On December 11, 2024, Mendoza announced that he would be entering the transfer portal.[14]
