Matt Leinart Makes Case for Indiana QB Josh Hoover as Heisman Dark Horse

Former Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart has highlighted Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover as a potential dark horse candidate for this season's award. Leinart suggested that Hoover's strong performance has not received adequate attention, especially given his statistical achievements and the Hoosiers' current winning streak.

"No one's talked about Josh Hoover," Leinart said on "Big Noon Kickoff." "Fernando Mendoza came out of nowhere last year toward the second half of the season [for Indiana]. Hoover's got better stats than Mendoza, hasn't turned the football over and is a really talented player."

Through Indiana's first five games, Hoover, a fifth-year senior, has recorded 1,101 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and zero interceptions, with a passer rating of 203.7 and a 71.0% completion rate. His touchdown total and passer rating currently lead the Big Ten Conference. The Hoosiers' offense, meanwhile, ranks second in the Big Ten in rushing yards (252.6 per game), third in total yards (489.6 per game) and points scored (44.2 per game), and 11th in passing yards (237.0 per game).

Hoover transferred to Indiana after spending four seasons at TCU, where he was the starting quarterback for three years. During his time at TCU (2023-2025), he averaged 3,209.0 passing yards, 23.7 passing touchdowns, and 11.0 interceptions per season, with a 147.8 passer rating and a 65.1% completion rate.

Hoover is following in the footsteps of Fernando Mendoza, who led Indiana to an undefeated 16-0 season in 2025, culminating in the program's first national championship and Mendoza winning the Heisman Trophy. Mendoza passed for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns with six interceptions, a 182.9 passer rating and a 72.0% completion rate. He also added 276 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Mendoza was subsequently selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Leinart believes upcoming games against undefeated opponents Nebraska and Ohio State present Hoover with an opportunity to solidify his Heisman candidacy. "I think he's exceeded expectations so far," Leinart stated. "Obviously, the schedule picks up starting today and next week, and then in the second half of the season. But I just want to say this: I think it's time to start putting some respect on Josh Hoover's name. He's one of the best players in the country."