TCU quarterback Josh Hoover is heading to the transfer portal, and that move is going to turn some heads across college football.
Hoover, who informed ESPN’s Pete Thamel of his decision, won’t suit up for the Horned Frogs in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 30 against USC. Instead, he’s taking his 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame - and a résumé that’s hard to ignore - to the open market, where he’s expected to be one of the most sought-after quarterbacks available.
Let’s break down what this means, both for Hoover and for the quarterback-hungry programs out there.
First, the numbers speak for themselves. In 2025, Hoover threw for 3,472 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
That’s solid production in a Big 12 landscape that’s never short on offensive fireworks. Over four seasons at TCU, he racked up 9,629 passing yards - a testament to both his durability and his ability to sling it all over the field.
But it was 2024 when Hoover really put his name on the map. That year, he broke TCU’s single-season passing record with 3,949 yards, a mark that speaks volumes about his command of the offense and ability to stretch defenses. He officially took over as the Horned Frogs' starter in 2023 and hasn’t looked back since.
Despite drawing interest from the NFL, Hoover is opting to use his final year of eligibility. It’s a smart move - one more season to refine his game, boost his draft stock, and potentially lead another program to a championship-caliber run. Think of it as a calculated step, not a fallback plan.
He’s not alone in making this kind of move. The post-regular season portal activity is buzzing with quarterback talent.
Names like Sam Leavitt, DJ Lagway, and Dylan Raiola are also in the mix, turning this into one of the more intriguing transfer cycles in recent memory. Hoover adds even more depth - and intrigue - to that list.
For now, TCU will have to turn the page without their veteran signal-caller, while Hoover starts the next chapter of his college career. Wherever he lands, expect a program to get not just a proven passer, but a quarterback who’s still hungry to grow - and ready to make a serious impact.