Taking over for Heisman Trophy winner and national champion Fernando Mendoza is not an easy task, but Josh Hoover is up for the job. Hoover comes to Indiana after four seasons and a decorated career at TCU. He's seen a little bit of everything in his career, which should prepare him well for his first season in the Big Ten.
In total, Hoover has thrown for 9,629 yards and accounted for 79 total touchdowns in his collegiate career. That gives him the most production of any returning college quarterback in the country.
Hoover is also extremely familiar with the RPO-heavy style that Curt Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan want to run. All of those attributes could have Hoover primed for a big season.
With that being said, there is still plenty of room for improvement. Specifically, Hoover needs to get his turnover problem in check. If he does, it would do wonders for Indiana's chances of repeating as National Champions.
Indiana's repeat hopes depend on Josh Hoover cutting down on turnovers
As strong as Hoover's career has been up to this point, his turnover problem has been a nagging issue. Hoover started 31 games for TCU from 2023-25, and he accounted for 42 total turnovers in that span. He threw 33 interceptions while also losing 9 fumbles. Simply put, averaging 1.35 turnovers per game won't make for an ideal situation in Bloomington.
During his Heisman-winning campaign, Mendoza accounted for just 6 turnovers in 16 games. He tossed 6 interceptions and did not lose a single fumble. Hoover doesn't need to post Heisman-type numbers, but getting his turnovers more in check is much-needed.
Indiana should easily keep this defending champs streak alive in 2026
In total, the Hoosiers turned the ball over just 9 times in 16 games during last year's national title-winning season. Furthermore, IU boasted a turnover margin of +21, which was the best in the country. Protecting the ball was a top priority, and excelling at preventing turnovers played a vital role in the Hoosiers going all the way.
As he takes over at the helm of the Hoosier offense, Hoover cutting down on his turnovers will be of the utmost importance. The good news is that he is in the best situation possible to do so.
Josh Hoover is in the best situation possible to limit turnovers
Hoover was asked to do a lot at TCU. The Horned Frogs did not a play a complimentary style of football. Specifically, TCU ranked 72nd in total defense and 100th in rushing offense last season. That forced the Horned Frogs lean too heavily on Hoover. Thus, he often forced the issue trying to make a game-breaking play. Now in a much better situation at Indiana, Hoover should be much more comfortable.
Curt Cignetti said it best. "When Josh got here, he met his two new best friends: Great defense and a really good run game," Cignetti said earlier this offseason. Indiana plays a great style of complimentary football, which should put less pressure on Hoover. Instead, Hoover can manage the game comfortably and make plays when needed. He should also see a dip in total pass attempts.
In 2024, Hoover attempted 36.2 pass attempts per game. Last season, he averaged 34.4 attempts per game. Cignetti doesn't want his QB making that many throws per game. Last season, Mendoza attempted just 23.7 attempts per game.
Looking ahead, with a better running game and an elite defense at his disposal, Hoover is undoubtedly in a great spot. It's also worth noting that Indiana's offensive line is expected to be among the best in the country. That should help Hoover stay out of trouble and avoid fumbles.
All in all, Hoover doesn't need to force the issue. He needs to stay within himself and trust his teammates to put him in a great position to succeed. Hoover has the skills to do anything that is asked of him, and limiting the turnovers will greatly help Indiana's title hopes this season.
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