As college football gears up for the 2026 season, players across all levels are preparing to enter the NCAA transfer portal, which opens this Friday. This season’s transfer landscape is expected to usher in a notable shift of quarterbacks across the nation. Prominent signal-callers like Dylan Raiola, Drew Mestemaker, DJ Lagway, and Brendan Sorsby are set to take their talents to new schools after spending two years with their previous programs.
One quarterback making waves in the transfer portal is former TCU standout Josh Hoover, who will have one season of eligibility remaining after a successful four-year stint with the Horned Frogs. While some quarterbacks in the portal have clearer pathways to their next schools, Hoover’s next destination is still uncertain. However, he is projected to attract significant interest, expected to earn over $3 million at his next stop.
According to ESPN’s Max Olson, for any team willing to take a chance on him, Hoover’s performance will be crucial. “He’ll need to cut down on turnovers to be more successful at his next stop after compiling 42 (33 interceptions, nine fumbles) in his time with the Horned Frogs,” Olson noted. Despite his turnover challenges, Hoover has demonstrated his ability to lead teams to victories and is deemed a valuable veteran presence.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 200 pounds, Hoover joined TCU in 2022 when Sonny Dykes took over as head coach. He redshirted during the Horned Frogs’ remarkable run to the national championship but made his presence felt in subsequent seasons. After stepping in for Chandler Morris due to injury, Hoover showcased his talent in 2023, finishing with 2,206 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions across eight games.
In 2024, Hoover solidified his status as TCU’s starting quarterback, setting single-season records for the program with 3,949 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, despite facing challenges with 11 interceptions. His strong performance continued in 2025, as he led the Horned Frogs in all regular-season games, accumulating 3,472 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
With Hoover’s recent decision to enter the transfer portal on December 18, he will forgo participation in TCU’s upcoming bowl game against USC in the Valero Alamo Bowl, scheduled for Tuesday evening. This marks an important juncture not only for Hoover’s career but also highlights the fluid nature of collegiate football, where talent constantly shifts between programs, opening opportunities for both players and schools navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the sport.