The college football landscape is buzzing as the Transfer Portal is set to open on January 2nd, and several prominent players have announced their intentions to enter, with TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover being a notable name. Reports indicate that Indiana University is likely to be a strong contender for Hoover’s talents, especially as they prepare for a potential change at quarterback with Fernando Mendoza expected to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft after a standout season that included winning the Heisman Trophy.
During a recent appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay, insider Pete Thamel elaborated on Hoover’s potential landing spots, highlighting Indiana as an option contingent on Mendoza’s decision. Thamel stated, “The final domino that will unfold on the grass behind me today is Fernando Mendoza… I’ve been told Indiana is expected to target Josh Hoover.” This move aligns with the strategy of Indiana’s head coach, Curt Cignetti, who has successfully utilized the Transfer Portal for quarterback acquisitions in the past.
Under Cignetti, Indiana has seen the impact of bringing in new talent, particularly with Mendoza leading the team to a Heisman victory and notable success in the Big Ten. The challenge now lies in finding a suitable successor, and Hoover’s previous commitment to Indiana out of high school positions him as a prime target.
However, Indiana faces competition for Hoover, as Thamel also mentioned the interest from both Louisville and Kentucky, underlining the competitive nature of the transfer market.
Hoover, who hails from Texas, was a three-star recruit from the Class of 2022, ranked as the 714th overall prospect and the 41st quarterback. Over his career at TCU, he has emerged as a key player, completing 65.2% of his passes for an impressive 9,629 yards and 71 touchdowns against 33 interceptions across 26 games. Additionally, he has added eight rushing touchdowns to his repertoire. After sitting out the 2022 season as a redshirt, Hoover has one year of eligibility left, allowing him to potentially make a significant impact wherever he lands next.
As the Transfer Portal opens, there exists a sense of anticipation and excitement about the potential movement of players like Hoover. The forthcoming decisions made in the portal may dramatically reshape the future of several college football programs.