IU's Cignetti blasts 'unfair scrutiny' of QB Hoover
Adam RittenbergSep 21, 2026, 01:04 PM ET
- College football reporter; joined ESPN in 2008. Graduate of Northwestern University.
Indiana coach Curt Cignetti defended quarterback Josh Hoover on Monday, saying the TCU transfer has been subjected to "unfair scrutiny" early this season.
Hoover is replacing Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. Hoover has completed 37-of-51 attempts for 649 yards with 10 touchdowns and no interceptions, while adding 20 rushing yards through three games to start the season. The Hoosiers' offense started slowly Saturday against Western Kentucky, recording only one touchdown before the final minute of the first half.
Indiana went on to score 31 points in the final 30:37. Hoover completed 18-of-24 passes for 273 yards and two scores in the 38-0 victory over the Hilltoppers.
"I think there is too much scrutiny of Josh Hoover right now," said Cignetti, likely referencing social media reaction. "Unfair scrutiny."
After reviewing the Western Kentucky film, Cignetti identified only one missed throw from Hoover, adding that several incompletions were poor routes by receivers.
Indiana landed Hoover in January as part of a notable transfer class. Hoover had 9,629 passing yards and 71 touchdowns at TCU, and set a team single-season record with 3,949 passing yards in 2024.
"I'm glad he's our quarterback," Cignetti said.
The fifth-ranked Hoosiers open Big Ten play on Friday night when they host Northwestern.
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