Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover delivered an impressive start to Saturday’s game against North Texas, but one of the most memorable moments of his afternoon had nothing to do with a touchdown pass.
Hoover took a significant hit to the face while being sacked, leaving the Hoosiers quarterback with blood pouring from his nose. The scene immediately created concern as Indiana looked to protect an early lead in its 2026 home opener. Despite the bloody aftermath, Hoover remained in the game.
It was a striking moment involving the quarterback tasked with leading Indiana’s national championship defense, particularly considering how well Hoover and the Hoosiers’ offense had been playing before the hit occurred.
Yahoo Sports shared video of the play on X.
“Indiana QB Josh Hoover took a huge shot to the face on this sack,” Yahoo Sports wrote. “He stayed in the game despite blood pouring from his nose.”
Josh Hoover Delivers Impressive Start for Indiana
Hoover’s decision to stay in the game was made even more notable by the afternoon he was putting together.
The Indiana quarterback completed seven of his first eight passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns as the Hoosiers built a 24-6 advantage over North Texas.
Hoover arrived at Indiana this offseason as one of the most significant additions to Curt Cignetti’s roster.
The former TCU quarterback transferred to Bloomington after throwing for 3,472 yards and 29 touchdowns during the 2025 season. He was brought in to replace Fernando Mendoza, who departed Indiana for the NFL after leading the Hoosiers to their historic national championship.
Big Shoes to Fill at Indiana
Replacing a national championship quarterback is a substantial assignment, but Hoover’s early performance Saturday offered another encouraging sign.
Indiana entered the season ranked No. 6 nationally after completing a perfect 16-0 championship campaign. Expectations surrounding Cignetti’s program have changed dramatically, and Hoover now occupies one of the most important positions in college football.
Saturday provided his first opportunity to perform in front of the Memorial Stadium crowd as Indiana’s starting quarterback.
He threw touchdowns. He helped the Hoosiers establish an early double-digit lead.
Then he absorbed a vicious hit that left him bloodied and remained in the game.
It’s only the beginning of Hoover’s Indiana career, but his first home appearance certainly wasn’t short on memorable moments.
