Indiana football news: Curt Cignetti has 'a lot of confidence' in new QB Josh Hoover

Coach Cignetti has confidence in transfer QB Josh Hoover pic.twitter.com/XhTbVTmZvC

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 5, 2026

Hoover takes over one of college football’s most prominent quarterback jobs after Mendoza guided Indiana to its first national championship and a perfect 16-0 season. The title run also made the Hoosiers the first team to finish 16-0 in the College Football Playoff expansion era.

Hoover brings extensive starting experience from TCU, giving Indiana a proven option as the program transitions to a new leader under center. Cignetti’s comments made clear that the Hoosiers do not expect their quarterback to carry that responsibility alone.

Indiana will need its offensive line, receivers, and skill-position players to help create favorable situations for Hoover as the team begins its championship defense. Cignetti specifically emphasized protection and receivers creating separation as key parts of the formula.

Herbstreit’s post came Saturday morning as Indiana prepared to begin the 2026 season with a different quarterback directing the offense. The interview offered an early look at how Cignetti views Hoover’s experience and his fit within the Hoosiers’ offensive structure.

The former TCU signal-caller now gets the opportunity to lead an Indiana program coming off the most successful season in school history. Hoover finished his TCU career with 9,629 passing yards and 71 touchdown passes across 35 games played with the Horned Frogs.

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