Indiana's Josh Hoover is a rising star in college football, ranked No. 10 in CBS Sports' 2026 power conference QB rankings. With the departure of Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, Hoover faces the challenge of leading the team to success while also aiming to boost his NFL draft stock. As a multi-year starter at TCU, Hoover brings valuable experience and a strong body of work, including 71 career touchdown passes and nearly 10,000 yards through the air. However, his ball security needs improvement, as he has thrown 33 career interceptions, including a career-high 13 in 2025.
Hoover's transition to Indiana is an intriguing development. He joins a team that has been successful under head coach Curt Cignetti, who has a knack for attracting top talent. Cignetti's approach to quarterback development is unique, emphasizing the importance of a strong defense and a solid run game. This strategy has proven effective, as Hoover's predecessors, Kurtis Rourke and Mendoza, also thrived in similar environments.
One of the key aspects of Hoover's game is his experience. With 36 career games played and nearly 1,200 pass attempts, he is one of the most seasoned quarterbacks in the nation. This experience will be crucial in his development and the team's success. However, Cignetti is keenly aware of the need for improvement, particularly in ball security, and is working closely with Hoover to address this issue.
Hoover's ranking by CBS Sports is a testament to his potential and the high expectations surrounding him. As a former TCU quarterback, he has already proven his ability to lead a team to success. Now, with the added pressure of filling the shoes of a Heisman Trophy winner, Hoover has the opportunity to make a name for himself and solidify his place among the top quarterbacks in the country.
In my opinion, Hoover's ranking is well-deserved, given his impressive resume and the challenges he faces. However, the real test will be in how he performs on the field, especially in the face of adversity. The question remains: Can Hoover live up to the hype and become the next big star in college football?
