Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Indiana has landed its replacement for Fernando Mendoza

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Jan 4, 2026 10:33 PM ET

The Indiana Hoosiers already have their quarterback to replace Fernando Mendoza.

Former TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover has committed to the Hoosiers. His commitment comes following a visit he took to the school this weekend.

Hoover likely would not have committed to Indiana unless he knew that Mendoza would be leaving. Mendoza is expected to enter the NFL Draft, where he is contention to be the No. 1 overall pick.

Hoover is a nice addition for IU. He has appeared in 36 career games and has been TCU’s starting quarterback for three seasons. Hoover has passed for 9,629 yards, 71 touchdowns and 33 interceptions. He has also rushed for 8 touchdowns, though he isn’t much of a rushing threat.

Here is a look at a deep touchdown Hoover threw early in the season for TCU:

WOWWW!

What a dime for the @TCUFootball TD pic.twitter.com/saiyfk93In
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 15, 2024

TCU has gone 9-4 for consecutive seasons, so Hoover’s big stats have translated into wins. Indiana went 11-2 last season and is in the middle of a 14-0 season.

The Hoosiers had Kurtis Rourke at quarterback for their 11-2 season, which was Curt Cignetti’s first as head coach. They added Mendoza via the transfer portal and have been the No. 1 team in the country. They’re hoping that dipping into the transfer portal again will yield fantastic results in 2026.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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