Josh Hoover isn’t the flashiest name in the college football quarterback carousel, but make no mistake - he’s one of the most productive signal-callers to hit the transfer portal this offseason. After two strong seasons at TCU, Hoover is now looking for a new home, and with one year of eligibility left, he’s a name to watch for programs looking to make a serious leap in 2026.
Let’s start with what Hoover brings to the table. Since taking over as TCU’s starter midway through the 2023 season, he’s racked up over 9,500 passing yards and 71 touchdowns.
That’s not just volume - that’s consistency, efficiency, and command of an offense. He’s finished top-10 nationally in passing yards in back-to-back years, all while operating in Kendal Briles’ high-octane, pass-heavy system.
With Briles now off to South Carolina, and TCU’s defense continuing to struggle, it makes sense that Hoover would seek a fresh start. He’s done his part - now he’s looking for a program that can match his ambition.
Ranked as the No. 7 quarterback in the transfer portal according to the latest Saturday Blitz Transfer QB Rankings, Hoover is going to have options. The question is: where does he fit best? Let’s break down three programs that should be making a strong push to land him.
1. Indiana: A Familiar Name, A New Opportunity
Indiana might not be the first school that comes to mind when you think of top-tier quarterback destinations - but times are changing in Bloomington. Head coach Curt Cignetti has already proven he can develop transfer quarterbacks, and the recent success of Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza (a Cal transfer) has put Indiana firmly on the radar for portal QBs.
Hoover, a pure pocket passer with a strong arm and sharp decision-making, would be a natural fit in Cignetti’s system. What makes this even more interesting: Hoover was originally committed to Indiana out of high school before flipping to TCU. That was a different staff and a different era, but it does suggest some prior interest in the program and the environment.
Now, with Indiana on the rise and looking to build on its recent momentum, Hoover could step in as the centerpiece of a revamped offense. He’d have a chance to play in the Big Ten spotlight, boost his NFL stock, and help elevate a program that’s quietly building something real. This one checks a lot of boxes for both sides.
2. Miami: The Portal QB Pipeline Continues
Over the past two seasons, Miami has become a landing spot for veteran quarterbacks looking to make an impact in their final year - and it’s worked. Cam Ward and Carson Beck both found success in Coral Gables, and Josh Hoover could be next in line to keep that trend rolling.
The Hurricanes aren’t just a brand name - they’ve got the talent to back it up. Malachi Toney is one of the top returning wide receivers in the country, and Mark Fletcher Jr. is a dynamic back who can take pressure off the passing game. That’s a lot of firepower for a quarterback who already knows how to sling it.
Miami also has the resources to compete in today’s NIL-driven landscape. Hoover, as one of the top quarterbacks in the portal, will command attention - and likely a competitive NIL package.
The Hurricanes have shown they’re willing to invest to win, and under Mario Cristobal, they’ve taken steady steps forward. Hoover could be the missing piece that helps them take the next leap.
3. Baylor: A Close-to-Home Option with Familiar Scheme
Transferring within the same conference used to be rare, but in today’s college football, it’s just another move on the board. For Hoover, Baylor presents a unique option - one that keeps him close to home and in a system he already knows well.
With Sawyer Robertson on the way out, Baylor is in the market for a quarterback. Head coach Dave Aranda has seen Hoover’s ability firsthand during Big 12 play, and offensive coordinator Jake Spavital runs a scheme that mirrors much of what Hoover thrived in at TCU. That familiarity could help Hoover hit the ground running in Waco.
The question here is whether Baylor represents enough of a step forward from TCU to make the move worthwhile. The Bears have had their own struggles, and while the system fits, the surrounding pieces and overall trajectory of the program may give Hoover pause. Still, if staying in Texas and operating in a comfortable offense are priorities, Baylor makes sense on paper.
Final Thoughts
Josh Hoover isn’t just another name in the portal - he’s a proven, productive quarterback with one last shot to make a big impact. Whether he’s looking for a bigger stage, a better system, or a clearer path to the pros, he’s going to have suitors. Indiana offers familiarity and development, Miami brings firepower and exposure, and Baylor provides a system fit close to home.
Wherever he lands, Hoover has the tools to be a difference-maker in 2026. Now it’s just about finding the right fit to let it all come together.