Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover has extended the program’s winning streak to 21 games and been a smooth operator of the offense. So why isn’t he getting more Heisman buzz?
Matt Leinart thinks it’s time to change that.
“No one’s talked about Josh Hoover,” Leinart said on Saturday’s edition of “Big Noon Kickoff.” “Fernando Mendoza came out of nowhere last year toward the second half of the season [for Indiana]. Hoover’s bought higher stats than Mendoza, hasn’t turned the soccer over and is a extremely proficient participant.
“He is bought an opportunity with this schedule, beginning at the moment [against Nebraska] after which Ohio State subsequent week within the Huge Ten to make a run at this factor [the Heisman Trophy].”
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By way of Indiana’s first 5 video games, Hoover, a fifth-year senior, has totaled 1,101 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 203.7 passer score, whereas finishing 71.0% of his passes. Hoover’s passing touchdowns and passer score every lead the Huge Ten.
As for Indiana’s offense, the Hoosiers rank second within the Huge Ten in dashing yards (252.6 per recreation), third in each whole yards (489.6 per recreation) and factors (44.2 per recreation) and eleventh in passing yards (237.0 per recreation).
Hoover transferred to Indiana after 4 seasons at TCU, the place he spent three years because the beginning quarterback. From 2023-25, he posted averages of three,209.0 passing yards, 23.7 passing touchdowns and 11.0 interceptions per season, together with a 147.8 passer score and a 65.1% completion price.
Josh Hoover hasn’t thrown an interception over Indiana’s first 5 video games. (Picture by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto through Getty Photos)
Now, Hoover is following within the footsteps of Mendoza, who led Indiana to its first nationwide championship in program historical past throughout an ideal 16-0 season in 2025. Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns with six interceptions, posting a 182.9 passer score and finishing 72.0% of his passes.
Mendoza additionally rushed for 276 yards and 7 touchdowns en path to profitable the 2025 Heisman Trophy. He finally turned the No. 1 total choose within the 2026 NFL Draft, chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders.
With two unbeaten opponents in Nebraska and Ohio State looming, Hoover has an opportunity to place himself within the Heisman dialog.
“I believe he is exceeded expectations thus far,” Leinart added. “Clearly, the schedule picks up beginning at the moment and subsequent week, after which within the second half of the season. However I simply wish to say this: I believe it is time to begin placing some respect on Josh Hoover’s identify. He is top-of-the-line gamers within the nation.”
