Josh Hoover, Indiana Hoosiers aren't real contenders despite win over Michigan

The Indiana Hoosiers went undefeated last season and won the national championship, as they were led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.

Yet Mendoza was off to the NFL, selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, so Curt Cignetti and his staff landed Josh Hoover in the transfer portal from the TCU Horned Frogs. Hoover is a solid college quarterback, but he is a step down from Mendoza.

Not only did Indiana get worse at quarterback, but their offensive line is downright horrendous, which has also impacted their offense. The Hoosiers do have a good defense, but after Week 8, it’s clear Indiana isn’t a legit title contender.

Indiana barely edged out Nebraska on the road, and then this past week had to go to overtime against the Michigan Wolverines, who simply can’t move the ball. True freshman quarterback Tommy Carr was somehow worse than Bryce Underwood and gave Indiana good field position.

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Yet, Hoover and the offense couldn’t capitalize, and it was 6-6 going into overtime before Indiana scored the lone touchdown.

Although Indiana won and is now 7-1 overall, the Hoosiers aren’t a legit contender and, to me, seem destined to lose in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

Indiana has an easy schedule down the stretch, as their hardest game is at home against USC on Nov. 14, which is the only ranked opponent the Hoosiers will play.

So, there is a good chance Indiana goes 11-1 in the regular season and will play in the Big Ten Championship Game. Yet the Hoosiers aren’t good and will be poised to lose in the playoffs once they play a really good team.

Hoover has struggled mightily this season, and Indiana’s offense is downright terrible. Unless he somehow takes a giant leap forward, this current form of offense won’t win a national championship, let alone a playoff game.

So, despite a likely 11-1 record, Indiana is not a good football team, and it will show in the playoffs.

Curt Cignetti admitted he thought about a QB move

After Indiana’s win over Michigan, Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti admitted he thought about a quarterback change.

Hoover was reportedly dealing with an injury in practice, and Cignetti said there was a chance he turned to Grant Wilson.

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“There were a lot of discussions about Grant Wilson and Josh Hoover,” Cignetti said. “Grant had a good week of practice. He’s very capable, he’s big, strong, can run. But I think at the end of the day, we felt like it’s been Josh’s season. And even though he’s not 100%, we gotta finish it out with him. And he responded.”

Although Cignetti stayed with Hoover, he still didn’t play well, and there should be major question marks about his role going forward. Hoover went 8-of-18 for 81 yards with an interception.

Due to Indiana’s schedule, they will be poised for a playoff berth, but the Hoosiers shouldn’t be considered a legit contender and will be one-and-done in the postseason.

More College Football News

• South Carolina Gamecocks have a chance to turn SEC on its head again
• Utah vs. Houston will determine dark-horse Big 12 team
• Texas Longhorns vs. Ole Miss Rebels is seemingly an elimination game
• Nick Saban makes feelings clear on College Football Playoff expanding to 24 teams

This story was originally published by Lindy's Sports on Oct 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Lindy's Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.