Indiana University just made a splash in the college football world, pulling in a wave of talent from the transfer portal. The Hoosiers landed several high-profile players, including ex-TCU quarterback Josh Hoover, who’s expected to step in for Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.
It feels like Indiana is trying to ride the momentum from recent seasons and maybe, just maybe, eye another shot at the College Football Playoff.
Indiana’s New Quarterback: Josh Hoover
Josh Hoover, who played at TCU, will take over as Indiana’s starting quarterback. His numbers are hard to ignore.
During his redshirt junior year, Hoover completed 65.9% of his passes for 3,472 yards, racking up 29 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. The next season, he bumped that up a bit—66.5% completions, 3,949 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 11 picks.
By 2026, Hoover could be the top passer in college football with 9,629 yards and second in touchdowns at 71. Folks in Bloomington are buzzing about what he might bring, especially after seeing transfers like Mendoza and Kurtis Rourke lead the Hoosiers to big years.
Hoover’s Impact on Indiana’s Offense
With Hoover in charge, Indiana’s offense should get a real boost. He’s got experience and a knack for making things happen.
Hoover can read defenses and make quick decisions, which should come in handy when things get tense. That kind of poise is tough to teach, and Indiana will need it in tight games.
Other Key Transfers to Indiana
Indiana’s not stopping with Hoover. The Hoosiers picked up several other difference-makers from the portal.
Tobi Osunsanmi: A Defensive Powerhouse
Former Kansas State edge rusher Tobi Osunsanmi is heading to Indiana, bringing some serious credentials. He’s ranked No. 4 among edge rushers in the portal by 247Sports and notched 12.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks over four seasons.
Osunsanmi has one year left and is expected to play a big role on defense.
Nick Marsh: A Physical Wide Receiver
Nick Marsh, a wideout from Michigan State, is another big get. At 6’3” and 203 pounds, Marsh is a tough matchup for defenders.
He caught 59 passes for 662 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. As the No. 7 receiver in the portal, Marsh should give Hoover a go-to target right away.
Preston Zachman: A Veteran Safety
Indiana also added Preston Zachman, who played safety at Wisconsin. Zachman started 30 games, piling up 125 tackles and seven interceptions.
He’s got one year left and brings some much-needed experience to the secondary.
Turbo Richard: A Dynamic Running Back
Turbo Richard—yeah, that’s his real name—committed to Indiana after a solid run at Boston College. In 2025, he rushed for 749 yards and nine touchdowns on 145 carries (5.2 yards per carry).
He also chipped in 30 catches for 213 yards and two touchdowns. Richard should team up with Khobie Martin to form a pretty exciting backfield.
The Future of Indiana Football
Indiana’s loaded up on talent, and it’s hard not to wonder how far they can go. The Hoosiers are getting noticed for their ability to pull in top players, and head coach Curt Cignetti seems to have a good eye for finding the right guys.
Building on Recent Success
Indiana’s recent success has really turned some heads. A College Football Playoff appearance in 2024 and Fernando Mendoza snagging the Heisman? That’s not something you see every day.
They’re not just sitting back and admiring the trophy case, either. Bringing in guys like Josh Hoover, Tobi Osunsanmi, Nick Marsh, Preston Zachman, and Turbo Richard says a lot about where this program wants to go.
As the 2026 season creeps closer, you can’t help but wonder how these new faces will fit in. Will they gel with the team and keep that momentum going?
There’s a mix now—some experienced transfers, some homegrown talent. The Hoosiers have a shot to make a real splash in college football, maybe bigger than before.
If you’re curious about the full list of Indiana’s recent transfer portal moves, check out the article on Sports Illustrated.
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