Curt Cignetti Defends Josh Hoover from 'Unfair Scrutiny' As Indiana QB Replaced Fernando Mendoza

Fernando Mendoza led a historically poor Indiana program to the national championship as the Heisman Trophy winner and then became the No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 NFL draft.

Replacing him is a nearly impossible job, and Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti believes quarterback Josh Hoover is not being treated fairly as he attempts to do so.

"I think there is too much scrutiny of Josh Hoover right now," he said Monday. "Unfair scrutiny. After watching the game tape, he missed one throw."

Indiana didn't score until the second quarter of Saturday's 38-0 victory over Western Kentucky and had just seven points until it found the end zone in the final minute of the second quarter. It was a slower start than expected against an overmatched opponent for the reigning champions, but Hoover still finished 18-of-24 for 273 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

He also led the Hoosiers to a 52-16 win over North Texas and a 55-0 victory over Howard.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers - Indiana Hoosiers Highlights

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While the level of competition has been lackluster, Hoover's stats have not. He has completed 72.5 percent of his passes for 649 yards, 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions in three straightforward wins.

"I'm glad he's our quarterback," Cignetti said.

Hoover started his collegiate career at TCU and transferred to Indiana this offseason. Considering how successful his predecessor was, there was always going to be an element of pressure and scrutiny that came with the move.

But he has thrived to this point, and his head coach is not a fan of the criticism he may be facing from some fans or those on social media.

Ultimately, there are bigger tests to come in a schedule that features games against Ohio State, Michigan, USC and Washington, among others. But that also means Hoover will have the opportunity to silence any criticism in resounding fashion as he looks to do exactly what Mendoza did last season.