Indiana Lands Replacement For Heisman Winner Fernando Mendoza

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Indiana Lands Replacement For Heisman Winner Fernando Mendoza

The Indiana Hoosiers have landed their replacement for Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.

Mendoza, who won the Heisman Trophy while leading the Hoosiers to a perfect season, is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers, of course, want to continue to be contenders heading into next year. They've landed a big-time commitment at the quarterback position.

The Hoosiers landed an official commitment from a top quarterback on Sunday afternoon.

Dec 13, 2025; New York, NY, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza wins the Heisman Trophy during the trophy presentation at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room. Mandatory Credit: Todd Van Emst/Heisman Trust via Imagn Images© Todd Van Emst/Heisman Trust via Imagn Images

Indiana landed a commitment from top quarterback transfer Josh Hoover on Sunday afternoon.

"Former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover has committed to Indiana, per ESPN sources. He visited over the weekend and projects as the starting quarterback in 2026 if Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza goes to the NFL Draft, as expected," ESPN reported.

"Hoover will enter next season as the leading passer in college football with 9,629 yards and second in touchdowns with 71. He’ll be Curt Cignetti’s third transfer quarterback after Kurtis Rourke and Mendoza. Hoover will enroll in January."

Hoover has been a standout at TCU

The TCU Horned Frogs quarterback has thrown for 3,472 yards, 29 touchdowns and 13 interceptions this season.

Hoover was 28th in the country in QBR this season, with a 73.6 rating.

Indiana, meanwhile, will be taking on Oregon in the College Football Playoff semifinals on Friday night.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Jan 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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