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 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," Cignetti said, 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 the result of 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 he 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 Friday night when they host Northwestern.