Indiana: Fernando Mendoza's Successor Draws Harsh Take From Coaches
Summary
Indiana University's football team is replacing star quarterback Fernando Mendoza with Josh Hoover, a transfer from TCU. While some coaches believe Hoover is not at Mendoza's level, Hoover has strong passing records and the Indiana coach Curt Cignetti is expected to help him perform well.Key Facts
- Fernando Mendoza transferred to Indiana before the 2025 season and won the Heisman Trophy.
- Mendoza led Indiana to their first national championship and was the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders.
- Josh Hoover, coming from TCU, will start as Indiana’s quarterback this year.
- Hoover set a TCU single-season passing record in 2024 with 3,949 yards.
- Hoover has thrown 71 career touchdowns but also 33 interceptions, including 13 in 2025.
- Some coaches think Hoover is a step down from Mendoza and doubt he will win the Heisman.
- Indiana’s coach Curt Cignetti is considered one of the best and is expected to improve Hoover’s play.
- Past transfers like Kurtis Rourke have successfully improved at Indiana under Cignetti.
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