Jan. 1, 2026, 11:54 a.m. ET
- Indiana football is reportedly targeting former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover from the transfer portal.
- Hoover would replace Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to enter the NFL Draft.
- Hoover was previously committed to Indiana in 2021 before flipping his commitment to TCU.
Former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover is being targeted by Indiana football to replace Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Thursday on “College GameDay.”
Hoover has been a three-year starter for the Horned Frogs, guiding them to a 19-13 record over that period. He opted out of their Alamo Bowl appearance against USC to enter the transfer portal, which officially opens Friday, Jan. 2.
“And the final domino that will unfold on the grass behind me today is Fernando Mendoza. The widespread expectation in the NFL is that Mendoza is expected to go pro. Obviously, he just won the Heisman Trophy,” Thamel said. “To replace him, I’ve been told Indiana is expected to target Josh Hoover, the former TCU quarterback.”
Mendoza, who is projected as an early pick in April’s NFL Draft, leads the No. 1 Hoosiers against Alabama today, Jan. 1, in the Rose Bowl.
Josh Hoover was once committed to play for Tom Allen and Indiana. But on Dec. 6, 2021, Hoover announced his decommitment and 10 minutes later announced his commitment to TCU.
Josh Hoover highlights
Josh Hoover announced Dec. 18 that he would enter the transfer portal.
Josh Hoover has been with TCU for four seasons,
Josh Hoover completed 65.9% of his passes for 3,472 yards, 29 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 2025.
Hoover has been at TCU four seasons and the starter for three, passing to 9,629 yards, 71 TDs and 33 INTs. The Horned Frogs are 20-13 in games in which Hoover played significant time.
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