Indiana Expects Healthy Josh Hoover Against Minnesota

Hoover Struggles Through Injury Against Michigan

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti expects senior transfer quarterback Josh Hoover to be healthier and play better this week against Minnesota. Hoover was limited leading up to last week's game after sustaining an undisclosed injury in Indiana's Oct. 17 loss to Ohio State.

Although Hoover did not appear on the team availability report, his practice time before facing Michigan was restricted. That showed on the field during a difficult passing performance where he completed 8 of 18 passes for 81 yards, a career low for him as a starter. He also threw his first interception of the season.

Cignetti Kept Faith Despite Bench Rumors

Indiana won the game 13-6, but the offense struggled overall. The Hoosiers generated just 212 total yards, which was their lowest single game total since gaining 151 yards in a 2024 loss at Ohio State. Cignetti noted after the win that coaches considered replacing Hoover with Grant Wilson during the contest.

Hoover attempted just two passes after halftime. He did not complete a pass in the second half until overtime, when he hit tight end Brock Schott for a 21 yard gain to set up the winning score.

"I expect him to be fine and better this week," Cignetti said on Monday.

Cignetti pointed out that receivers struggled to get separation and the pass game was not sharp during practice last week. Before the Michigan game, Hoover had passed for over 200 yards in six of his first seven games. On the season, the TCU transfer has 1,741 passing yards with 18 touchdowns and 1 interception.

What it means for the next game

Minnesota Golden Gophers at Indiana Hoosiers (College Football, Sat, 31 Oct): Indiana Hoosiers win 90%, Minnesota Golden Gophers win 10%; projected score Indiana Hoosiers 32, Minnesota Golden Gophers 11. Our safest pick: Indiana -9.5.