Indiana Quarterback Tayven Jackson Enters Transfer Portal

6-foot-4, 210 pound redshirt sophomore Tayven Jackson has entered the transfer portal, On3’s Pete Nakos was the first to report the news. Jackson entering the portal comes as somewhat as a surprise as he was expected to compete for the starting position next season after backing up starter Kurtis Rourke all season.

Jackson, a former 4-star prospect and brother of former Hoosiers college basketball star Trayce Jackson-Davis, started his career at Tennessee, before transferring to Indiana after his freshman season. Jackson completed only 3 of 4 passes for 37 yards during his freshman season at Tennessee in 2022, playing behind starter (Detriot Lions) Hendon Hooker and (New England Patriots) Joe Milton III.

He started the 2023-24 season before being benched, he completed 78 of 128 passes for 914 yards with two touchdowns to five interceptions last season.

A dual-threat QB, Jackson saw limited action in blowouts this past season, he had 349 passing yards, 4 touchdowns and 1 interception. Jackson also ran for 73 yards with 3 touchdowns.

He played an important role in Indiana’s win over Washington, completing 11 of his 19 passes for 124 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception.

Jackson will have two more years of eligibility at his next school, which could include visits to UCLA, Kentucky, Purdue, Oklahoma State and multiple Group of 5 schools.

Indiana also loses starter Kurtis Rourke to eligibility.  A few weeks ago coach Curt Cignetti said the team would be adding a veteran quarterback from the transfer portal.

California transfer Fernando Mendoza visited Indiana last week and appears to be a priority target for the Hoosiers.  His younger brother Alberto Mendoza will be a redshirt freshman on the team next year.

The Hoosiers will also return freshamn Tyler Cherry a former four star from the state of Indiana who was in the class of 2024.