Indiana Hoosiers Eyeing TCU QB Josh Hoover as Potential Transfer Portal Target
Indiana may be sitting atop the College Football Playoff bracket, but Curt Cignetti and his staff are already playing the long game. With postseason action still ahead, the Hoosiers are keeping a close watch on the quarterback carousel heating up in the transfer portal-and one name that’s generating some early buzz is TCU’s Josh Hoover.
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for Cignetti. Over the last two years, he’s strategically dipped into the portal to find experienced quarterbacks who can step in and lead right away.
In 2024, it was Kurtis Rourke from Ohio who helped guide Indiana to its first-ever playoff appearance. This season, it was Fernando Mendoza who not only picked up where Rourke left off but took it even further-winning the Heisman, knocking off Ohio State, and leading IU to the No. 1 seed.
But with Mendoza likely moving on, the question becomes: who’s next?
Alberto Mendoza, a promising young talent, is on the roster and could be the future. But if Cignetti isn’t convinced he’s ready to take the reins in 2026, the Hoosiers may look to the portal once again. That’s where Josh Hoover comes into play.
According to reports, Indiana is emerging as an early school to watch in the pursuit of Hoover. And it’s not hard to see why.
Hoover brings three years of starting experience from the Big 12 under Sonny Dykes at TCU. Over 36 games, he’s completed 65.2% of his passes for 9,629 yards, 71 touchdowns, and just 13 interceptions. While he’s not known for his mobility, Hoover’s poise in the pocket and ability to stretch the field make him an intriguing option for a team looking to stay in the national title conversation.
Indiana’s interest in Hoover signals a continued commitment to veteran leadership at the quarterback position. Cignetti has shown he values experience and proven production over potential when it comes to his signal-callers-and it’s worked.
Rourke and Mendoza were both former starters elsewhere who elevated their games in Bloomington. Hoover could be the next in that line.
The timing is also worth noting. With the transfer portal window open and bowl season in full swing, decisions are going to come fast.
Indiana has to be ready to move quickly if Hoover becomes available and interested. And while nothing is set in stone, the fact that Indiana is being mentioned this early in connection with Hoover speaks volumes.
Of course, the final call rests with Cignetti. He recruited Alberto Mendoza out of high school, and if the young quarterback shows he's ready, the job could very well stay in-house. But if there’s even a hint of doubt, don’t be surprised if Indiana makes a strong push for Hoover-or another veteran option.
Right now, all eyes in Bloomington are on the playoff. But behind the scenes, the future at quarterback is already taking shape. Whether it’s Mendoza, Hoover, or someone else entirely, one thing is clear: Indiana’s not planning to slow down anytime soon.