Indiana’s Josh Hoover Puts Up Heisman-Caliber Numbers Through Five Games

Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover has thrown for 15 touchdowns and zero interceptions through five games this season, numbers that put him atop the Big Ten in both passing touchdowns and passer rating. Yet the fifth-year senior has drawn little national attention as a Heisman Trophy contender, a gap former USC quarterback and Heisman winner Matt Leinart says needs correcting.

“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 got better stats than Mendoza, hasn’t turned the football over and is a really talented player.”

Hoover has completed 71.0% of his passes for 1,101 yards so far this season, posting a 203.7 passer rating. Indiana’s offense has been among the best in the conference overall, ranking second in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game (252.6), third in total yards (489.6) and points (44.2), and 11th in passing yards (237.0).

A transfer from TCU, where he started for three seasons, Hoover averaged 3,209.0 passing yards, 23.7 touchdowns and 11.0 interceptions per year from 2023 through 2025, with a 147.8 passer rating and a 65.1% completion rate.

Leinart argued that a tough stretch of schedule gives Hoover an opening to raise his profile. “He’s got a chance with this schedule, starting today [against Nebraska] and then Ohio State next week in the Big Ten to make a run at this thing [the Heisman Trophy],” Leinart said.

Following a Championship Act

Hoover’s rise comes a year after Mendoza led Indiana to a perfect 16-0 season and the program’s first national championship, throwing for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns with six interceptions, a 182.9 passer rating, and a 72.0% completion rate, while also rushing for 276 yards and seven touchdowns. Mendoza won the 2025 Heisman Trophy and was later selected No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Indiana’s current winning streak now stands at 21 games, carrying into matchups against unbeaten Nebraska and Ohio State. Leinart says the stakes are clear.

“I think he’s exceeded expectations so far. Obviously, the schedule picks up starting today and next week, and then in the second half of the season. But I just want to say this: I think it’s time to start putting some respect on Josh Hoover’s name. He’s one of the best players in the country.”