Indiana’s QB Search Runs Into Clemson Roadblock in Portal Chase

Curt Cignetti has turned Indiana into one of college football’s biggest surprises, and now his next major test is already taking shape. The Hoosiers are undefeated, record-setting, and headed into the College Football Playoff. But replacing a Heisman Trophy quarterback is never simple, especially when a national power stands in the way.

That challenge arrived when TCU quarterback Josh Hoover entered the transfer portal. ESPN first reported Hoover’s decision as the Horned Frogs prepared for the Alamo Bowl against USC. Almost immediately, Indiana’s name surfaced as a potential landing spot.

“Indiana is an early school to watch with Josh Hoover, per sources,” CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer posted on X on December 18.

Hoover brings a resume unlike anyone else currently in the portal. He is projected to return in 2026 with an FBS-leading 9,629 career passing yards and 71 touchdown passes. No other available quarterback offers that level of production. A redshirt junior, Hoover spent four seasons at TCU and started more than 30 games over the past two years. During that time, he threw for more than 8,500 yards and 65 touchdowns while running one of the Big 12’s most aggressive passing offenses. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

Indiana’s interest goes back years. Hoover originally committed to the Hoosiers out of Rockwall, Texas, as their first offensive pledge in the 2022 recruiting class. He later decommitted in December 2021 during a period of instability under then-head coach Tom Allen and flipped to TCU minutes later. That move paired him with offensive coordinator Garrett Riley.

Indiana today looks nothing like it did then. Under Cignetti, the Hoosiers finished the regular season 13-0, earned the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, and beat Ohio State to win the Big Ten Championship. It marked Indiana’s first outright conference title since 1945.

Quarterback development has become central to that rise. Fernando Mendoza capped the season by winning the Heisman Trophy after leading the nation with 33 passing touchdowns and throwing for 2,980 yards. With Mendoza now preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, Indiana is searching for its next leader.

Hoover fits Indiana’s offensive style. At TCU, he operated heavily in RPO schemes under Kendal Briles, who has since left for South Carolina. He also showed mobility, rushing for 267 yards and eight touchdowns over the past three seasons.

Still, Indiana is not alone. Clemson looms as the biggest threat. Both Garrett Riley and Tom Allen are now on Clemson’s staff, creating familiar ties for Hoover. Clemson’s stability adds to the challenge, highlighted by head coach Dabo Swinney’s contract extension through 2031 worth $115 million.

Riley, Clemson’s offensive coordinator, won the 2022 Broyles Award at TCU and has led Tigers offenses that averaged up to 34.7 points per game, including an ACC title and a College Football Playoff appearance.

TCU, meanwhile, is moving forward without Hoover. ESPN reported he will not play in the Alamo Bowl, with backups expected to take over as the Horned Frogs finish 8-4.

Now Hoover must decide whether to follow familiar coaches or join the sport’s most unexpected powerhouse. For Indiana, the pursuit continues—but the path is far from clear.

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