Indiana Coach Curt Cignetti Defends Quarterback Josh Hoover

Cignetti Backs His Quarterback

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti is not happy with the criticism directed at his quarterback, Josh Hoover. On Monday, Cignetti defended the TCU transfer, saying Hoover has been subjected to "unfair scrutiny" over the first three games of the season.

Hoover has a massive role to fill this year. He is replacing Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner who went on to be the number one pick in the 2026 NFL draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite that pressure, Hoover has put up strong numbers. Through three games, he has completed 37 of 51 passes for 649 yards with 10 touchdowns and no interceptions. He has also added 20 rushing yards.

Breaking Down the Film

The criticism likely comes from social media after Indiana started slowly against Western Kentucky on Saturday. The Hoosiers managed just one touchdown before the final minute of the first half. However, the offense found its rhythm and scored 31 points in the final 30:37 of the game, securing a 38-0 victory.

Hoover finished the game completing 18 of 24 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns. After reviewing the game tape, Cignetti stated he only saw one missed throw from his quarterback. The coach blamed other incomplete passes on poor route running by the wide receivers.

Hoover joined Indiana in January as part of a notable transfer class. During his time at TCU, he threw for 9,629 yards and 71 touchdowns, including a school record 3,949 passing yards in 2024. Cignetti made his feelings clear on Monday, stating, "I'm glad he's our quarterback." The fifth-ranked Hoosiers will now open Big Ten play on Friday night when they host Northwestern.

What it means for the next game

Northwestern Wildcats at Indiana Hoosiers (College Football, Sat, 26 Sep): Indiana Hoosiers win 97%, Northwestern Wildcats win 3%; projected score Indiana Hoosiers 40, Northwestern Wildcats 14. Our safest pick: Indiana -15.5.