Indiana football is heading into the 2026 offseason with a full head of steam - and a big decision looming under center. After back-to-back standout seasons at quarterback under Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers are in prime position to reload rather than rebuild, and all eyes are on who takes the reins next.
Let’s set the stage. In 2024, Kurtis Rourke led Indiana to an impressive 11-2 finish, establishing the kind of offensive rhythm that laid the foundation for what came next. Then came Fernando Mendoza, who not only picked up where Rourke left off but elevated the program to new heights - delivering a Big Ten Championship and capturing the 2025 Heisman Trophy in the process.
Now, with Mendoza’s historic run in the rearview mirror, the Hoosiers are evaluating their next move at the most important position on the field. The good news? There’s no shortage of options.
Internal Options and Transfer Portal Possibilities
Indiana already has some intriguing in-house talent. Alberto Mendoza - yes, another Mendoza - is waiting in the wings, and Tyler Cherry is expected to return from injury, giving the staff a couple of solid internal candidates. But Curt Cignetti has never been shy about exploring the transfer portal, especially when it comes to quarterbacks who can step in and produce right away.
Here are some names Indiana could be targeting:
- Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati)
- Dylan Raiola (Nebraska)
- Beau Pribula (Missouri)
- Drew Mestemaker (North Texas)
- Josh Hoover (TCU)
Let’s take a closer look at Hoover - a name that might sound familiar to Indiana fans.
Josh Hoover: A Potential Reunion in Bloomington?
Back in June 2021, Josh Hoover gave his verbal commitment to Indiana, then led by Tom Allen and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan. That commitment didn’t stick - Hoover decommitted in December and eventually signed with TCU, where he’s spent the past four seasons developing into a seasoned, high-volume passer.
Now, with three years of starting experience under his belt, Hoover is back in the transfer portal - and Indiana could be a real landing spot this time around.
Here’s what he’s done over the past three seasons:
- 2023: 2,206 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, 9 interceptions | 62.1% completion
- 2024: 3,949 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, 11 interceptions | 66.5% completion
- 2025: 3,472 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, 13 interceptions | 65.9% completion
That’s nearly 10,000 passing yards and 71 touchdowns across three seasons. Hoover’s not going to beat you with his legs - he’s a pure pocket passer - but that hasn’t been a problem for Cignetti’s system.
Just look at how Indiana tailored its offense to Rourke’s strengths in 2024. The blueprint is already in place for a quarterback like Hoover to thrive.
What Hoover Brings to the Table
Hoover’s biggest asset is his experience. He’s been through the battles, faced Big 12 defenses, and put up consistent production year after year.
He’s confident in the pocket, makes quick reads, and has shown he can carry a high-volume offense. That said, the interception numbers are a bit high - 33 total over three years - and that’s something Indiana’s staff would need to address.
Still, Cignetti has proven he values production and poise over perfection. He saw something in Rourke.
He saw something in Mendoza. If he sees the same in Hoover, it’s not hard to imagine the veteran quarterback stepping in and keeping the Hoosiers’ momentum rolling into 2026.
What’s Next for Indiana?
With a Big Ten title and a Heisman in the rearview, Indiana is no longer flying under the radar. The expectations are real now. The Hoosiers have built a winning culture, and the next quarterback will be tasked with sustaining - and possibly elevating - that standard.
Whether it’s Alberto Mendoza, a healthy Tyler Cherry, or a proven transfer like Josh Hoover, Indiana’s quarterback room is shaping up to be one of the most important storylines of the 2026 college football offseason. And if Cignetti’s track record tells us anything, it’s that whoever gets the nod will be put in position to succeed.