Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy by throwing for 3,535 yards and accounting for 48 total touchdowns while leading the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 season and a historic National Championship last season. Replacing what he brought to the table is a nearly impossible mission for any college quarterback out there, but new Indiana QB Josh Hoover might make for the perfect fit running Curt Cignetti's offense.
Dan Orlovsky runs out the back of the end zone with wildest Fernando Mendoza take yet
Hoover comes to Bloomington after spending four seasons with TCU where he appeared in 36 games for the Horned Frogs and made 31 consecutive starts from 2023-25. In his career, Hoover has thrown for 9,629 yards and amassed 79 total touchdowns, giving him the most production out of any returning QB in the country heading into 2026.
TCU head coach Sonny Dykes appears to be a little salty that Hoover left TCU for Indiana during the offseason. In an interview with Frogs Today on Tuesday, Dykes took a shot at his former QB, which is a stark change of tune from when Hoover first announced his intention to transfer.
Sonny Dykes takes a jab at Josh Hoover's ball security
Over the winter, Dykes handled Hoover leaving Forth Worth in a professional manner. “We had a friendly conversation, and I told him I supported his decision,” said the TCU head coach. “I was disappointed and certainly wished it would have gone differently, but that’s kind of the new world of college football.”
Dykes is now forced to turn the page with Hoover gone, and appears to be shifting the perspective that Hoover leaving may not be such a bad thing for TCU.
"Stats are stats, and I think Josh started 31 games here as a quarterback and he turned the ball over 42 times in those 31 starts," Dykes said.
NEW: TCU Head Coach Sonny Dykes takes a SHOT at QB Josh Hoover, who left for Indiana…
— College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) March 25, 2026
“Josh started 31 games here as a quarterback, and (HE) turned the ball over 42 times.” 🤯 pic.twitter.com/wHFnv4gojK
Hoover threw 33 interceptions in 36 games (31 starts) with TCU, while also losing 9 fumbles. That gives him 42 total turnovers in 36 games with the Horned Frogs.
That doesn't tell the whole story though, as Hoover was asked to carry the TCU offense. This past season, the Horned Frogs ranked 72nd in total defense and 100th in rushing offense. Under Cignetti, the Hoosiers play a much more complimentary style of football, which should put Hoover in a much better situation.
Curt Cignetti has plenty of faith in Josh Hoover
While Dykes chooses to dwell on the 42 total turnovers, Cignetti remains optimistic in Hoover's ability to lead the Hoosiers to another College Football Playoff run.
“Watched a lot of tape on him, highly productive guy,” said Cignetti. “Starting experience, production, almost 10,000 yards (passing), 80 touchdowns (passing), won a lot of football games. What he’s done speaks for itself, and now our job is to get him and make him better.”
Cignetti has made a habit of bringing in experienced quarterbacks through the portal. During his first season in Bloomington, Cignetti brought in Kurtis Rourke, who had 36 collegiate games under his belt before suiting up for the Hoosiers. Cignetti then landed Mendoza as his QB1 for Year 2, and he brought 20 games of experience to Bloomington.
It's worked out well, as Cignetti and his veteran QBs have led IU to an overall record of 27-2 to go along with a pair of CFP appearances. This past season, Mendoza led IU to the Big Ten title and wins in the Rose Bowl, Peach Bowl, and National Championship Game. Hoover brings plenty of skill and experience, and Hoosier fans are eager to see what he can do when the season comes around in the fall.