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Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer
Cal will start Fernando Mendoza at quarterback for Saturday’s opener against UC Davis, although transfer Chandler Rogers also is expected to play, a source told ESPN.
Mendoza, a redshirt sophomore from Miami, started Cal’s final eight games last season and had 1,708 passing yards with 14 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions as the Bears made their first bowl game since 2019. He has competed 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 listed as co-starters on the depth chart this week. Mike Bloesch makes his debut as Cal’s offensive coordinator after serving 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.