Indiana’s meteoric rise under Curt Cignetti hasn’t just shaken up the Big Ten - it’s turned Bloomington into a magnet for top-tier quarterback talent. And the proof is right there in Fernando Mendoza, who went from a lightly recruited Cal transfer to hoisting the Heisman Trophy. Now, with Mendoza likely NFL-bound after a historic season, the natural question becomes: who’s next under center for the Hoosiers?
One name that immediately jumped into the rumor mill was Brendan Sorsby - a familiar face in Bloomington. But despite the buzz, it sounds like a reunion isn’t in the cards.
Sorsby, who just wrapped up a strong season at Cincinnati, entered the transfer portal with some serious momentum. He posted 2,800 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and just five picks, plus another 580 yards and nine scores on the ground. That’s not just efficient - that’s the kind of dual-threat production that makes coaches take notice, especially in today’s college game where mobility is gold.
Over his career, Sorsby has racked up 7,208 passing yards, 60 touchdowns through the air, and 1,305 rushing yards. Those numbers put him squarely in the upper tier of available quarterbacks in the portal. And with an NIL valuation reportedly near $2.4 million - with some conversations topping $4 million - he’s not just a hot name, he’s a big business decision for any program looking to land him.
Programs like Texas Tech have already been linked to Sorsby, but Indiana? According to those close to the program, that door appears closed.
Shannon “Coach Griff” Griffith, host of the “Hoosier Tailgate” podcast and a plugged-in voice around Indiana football, recently shot down the idea of Sorsby returning to Bloomington. In his view, Indiana isn’t pursuing the former Hoosier.
It’s a notable stance, especially considering Indiana’s recent track record with transfer quarterbacks. Under Cignetti, the Hoosiers have built a system that doesn’t just welcome transfers - it elevates them. Mendoza’s story is the blueprint: plug in, thrive, contend for national titles.
And that’s exactly what Indiana did in 2025. The Hoosiers didn’t just win - they dominated.
An undefeated season. A Big Ten title.
The No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. And Mendoza at the heart of it all, throwing for 2,980 yards and 33 touchdowns, sweeping the Heisman, Maxwell, and Davey O’Brien awards.
That’s not just a good year - that’s program-defining.
So while Brendan Sorsby might be one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the portal, it looks like Indiana is charting a different course. With the bar now sky-high in Bloomington, the Hoosiers are clearly being selective about who gets the keys to this high-powered offense.
The message is clear: Indiana isn’t just chasing talent - they’re building a legacy.