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3d ago

Indiana Eyes Transfer Quarterback to Replace Heisman Winner as Portal Opening Looms

Indiana’s recent success with veteran transfers positions the program as a prime landing spot once the portal opens on Jan. 2.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 13: 2025 Heisman Trophy winner quarterback Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers and head coach Curt Cignetti of the Indiana Hoosiers pose with The Heisman Memorial Trophy during a news conference at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on December 13, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 22: Drew Mestemaker #17 of the North Texas Mean Green passes during the third quarter against the Rice Owls at Rice Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin M. Cox/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to the No. 1 CFP seed, is widely expected to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving a starting vacancy.
  • Newsweek projects North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker to land at Indiana, noting his 2025 totals of 4,129 passing yards and 31 touchdowns as part of its prediction.
  • Sporting News highlights The Athletic’s suggestion of TCU’s Josh Hoover as a fit for the Hoosiers, citing his 9,629 career yards and 71 touchdowns with eligibility remaining.
  • Curt Cignetti’s track record with transfer quarterbacks, including Kurtis Rourke in 2023 and Mendoza in 2025, underscores Indiana’s appeal to experienced portal QBs.
  • The NCAA transfer portal opens Jan. 2, and as of Dec. 28 there have been no reported commitments or official moves involving Indiana’s next quarterback.