What is the story about?
Indiana football is officially set for the program’s spring game this evening, which will coincide with the beginning of the 2026 NFL Draft in an effort to celebrate outgoing starting quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and national champion Fernando Mendoza.
Former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover has stepped into Mendoza’s massive shoes as an experienced hand to guide head coach Curt Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan’s offense this season and Thursday’s spring game will provide the first
semi-official look at him in cream and crimson.
Here’s five things to watch for in the spring game:
- Quarterback Josh Hoover’s semi-official debut. Hoover is entering his first, and unless eligibility rules get weirder, only season as Indiana’s starting quarterback after a productive career at TCU. Curt Cignetti sought an experienced hand to help guide his offense in year three, will Hoover look the part early?
- The new-look running back rotation. Indiana bid farewell to Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black this offseason, welcoming back Lee Beebe Jr. and Khobie Martin while adding Boston College transfer Turbo Richard to the room.
- The new-look wide receiver room. Like with running backs, Indiana legends Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr., among others, are off to the NFL this offseason. The Hoosiers reloaded with Michigan State transfer Nick Marsh, Tulane transfer Shazz Preston and welcome back Tyler Morris from injury.
- The offensive line as a whole. Starting left tackle Carter Smith is out with an injury for the spring, which has opened up opportunities for Indiana’s depth to get vital reps against a tenacious starting defensive line. The Hoosiers were lacking in strong depth along the offensive line last season and are looking to develop through the high school ranks with Adedamola Ajani’s late season emergence.
- The new defensive front. The Hoosiers remade their defensive front this past offseason, adding Notre Dame transfer Joshua Burnham, Tulsa transfer Joe Hjelle and Kansas State transfers Chiddi Obiazor and Tobi Osunsanmi alongside a slew of freshmen
