Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover has kept the Hoosiers’ insane 21-game winning streak alive, looking like a total smooth operator running that offense. So why the heck isn’t this guy plastered all over Heisman conversations? Matt Leinart thinks it’s time to change that.
Hoover’s Absurd Numbers Are Too Loud to Ignore
Matt Leinart isn’t holding back, calling for some respect on Hoover’s name on “Big Noon Kickoff” this past Saturday. He straight up said, “No one’s talked about Josh Hoover.” Leinart pointed out that Hoover’s got better stats than Fernando Mendoza, who we all know led Indiana to that 2025 national title, and he hasn’t turned the ball over once.
Through Indiana’s first five games, Hoover, a fifth-year senior, has put up some ridiculous numbers: 1,101 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, and a mind-blowing zero interceptions. His passer rating sits at a scorching 203.7, and he’s completing 71.0% of his passes. Get this: Hoover’s passing touchdowns and passer rating are both leading the entire Big Ten. As for the Hoosiers’ offense, they’re second in the Big Ten in rushing yards with 252.6 per game, third in total yards with 489.6 per game, and third in points, dropping 44.2 per game. Yeah, they’re ranked 11th in passing yards, but with those other numbers, who cares?
From TCU Transfer to Heisman Dark Horse?
Hoover’s journey isn’t some overnight sensation. He transferred to Indiana after four seasons at TCU, where he was the starting quarterback for three years. From 2023-25, he averaged 3,209.0 passing yards, 23.7 passing touchdowns, and 11.0 interceptions per season, with a 147.8 passer rating and a 65.1% completion rate. Those are solid numbers, but what he’s doing now? Next level.
He’s following in the giant footsteps of Fernando Mendoza, who etched his name in Indiana history, leading them to their first national championship ever with a perfect 16-0 season in 2025. Mendoza was a beast, throwing for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, posting a 182.9 passer rating and a 72.0% completion rate. He even added 276 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns on his way to winning the 2025 Heisman Trophy and becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft for the Las Vegas Raiders. Hoover’s currently outperforming Mendoza in some key areas, especially that zero turnover stat, and he’s clearly got the same championship DNA flowing.
Leinart nailed it when he said Hoover’s “exceeded expectations” and is “one of the best players in the country.” This dude is on the cusp of something huge. With two unbeaten opponents, Nebraska today and Ohio State next week, Hoover has a massive chance to make sure everyone finally puts some respect on his name and throws him right into that Heisman conversation. You gotta tune in, this is just getting good!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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