One of the main reasons Curt Cignetti got such a strong look from Athletic Director Scott Dolson last year was his winning ability, yes, but also his tremendous track record and success at developing quarterbacks. That was a emphasis for Indiana football. Whether it be for one season, or multiple, Cignetti’s offensive staff has been able to identify perfect fits for their system and find that relationship to be extremely mutually beneficial.
That happened this year, again, when IU went out and landed Ohio transfer Kurtis Rourke. Rourke, who was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team this week, has thrown for 2,827 yards with 27 touchdowns and just four interceptions this year. He is also completing 70.4 percent of his passes.
His leadership and efficiency has been a main backbone for IU’s 11-1 regular season record and spot in the College Football Playoff.
But, there will be no Rourke under center next season and Cignetti was asked about his plan for the position on Wednesday.
“We will definitely recruit a quarterback out of the portal,” Cignetti said. “In terms of our other needs, I’ll let you guys put pen to paper and figure out who is coming back and who we’re losing and figure that out on your own.”
National Signing Day was on Wednesday and Indiana did not bring in a quarterback in the 2025 class. There is also no plan to bring in a freshman signal caller, says Cignetti.
Indiana football has two young quarterbacks on the roster already with Tyler Cherry and Alberto Mendoza — both freshmen this season. Indiana also has redshirt sophomore Tayven Jackson, who has been with the program for two years now after transferring from Tennessee.
Jackson, who started at times last season, has made one start for Indiana this year during Rourke’s one-game absence with a thumb injury. He has thrown for 349 yards and four touchdowns to one interception. He’s also added three rushing touchdowns as well.
“Well, we have two young quarterbacks in the program that we like: Tyler Cherry and Mendoza,” Cignetti said. “So we didn’t feel a real need to sign a young quarterback this year.”
With Cignetti’s resume as a quarterback developer, and the play of Rourke this season, there will be a likely long list of potential additions at the position. With Mike Shanahan and Tino Sunseri also expected back, that group will likely find success once again in the portal.
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