Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke Played Through Torn ACL Injury amid CFP Run, Agent Says
Jan 3, 2025
SOUTH BEND, IN - DECEMBER 20: Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke (9) passes the ball during the CFP First Round game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on December 20, 2024 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Kurtis Rourke led Indiana to the best season in program history and a spot in the College Football Playoff while playing with a torn ACL.
Casey Muir, Rourke's agent, told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero his client is believed to have torn his ACL in August and will undergo surgery next week to repair the injury.
There was no indication during the season that Rourke's knee was bothering him. He did miss the Hoosiers' Oct. 26 game against Washington, but that was due to a thumb injury suffered the previous week in a win over Nebraska.
This would be the second time that Rourke has suffered a torn ACL in his college career. It previously happened in November 2022 when he was playing at Ohio. Despite missing the final three games of that season, he earned MAC MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors.
There was some concern the injury might cause lingering problems when Rourke left the first game of the 2023 season against San Diego State in the first quarter after being sacked. He got up and walked off the field with a noticeable limp.
Rourke did sit out the Bobcats' next game, but he returned to the lineup the following week and started the final 10 games of the regular season.
After the end of the 2023 season, Rourke transferred to Indiana as a sixth-year senior. He became the fourth quarterback in Hoosiers history to throw for at least 3,000 yards in a season (3,042) and set the program's single-season record with 29 touchdown passes.
Indiana won a program-record 11 games and earned the No. 10 seed in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff this season. The Hoosiers' run ended with a 27-17 loss to Notre Dame on Dec. 20.
B/R's NFL scouting department has Rourke ranked as the 10th-best quarterback prospect and No. 119 player overall in the 2025 draft class.
Report: Indiana Lands QB Fernando Mendoza in Transfer Portal After CFP Loss to ND
Dec 24, 2024
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 30: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the California Golden Bears looks on during the first half of the game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on November 30, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Following Friday's season-ending loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff, Indiana wasted no time in finding a replacement for Kurtis Rourke at quarterback for the 2025 season.
Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, California transfer Fernando Mendoza has committed to the Hoosiers.
Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports and 247Sports added Mendoza was the top-ranked uncommitted quarterback in the transfer portal.
Per 247Sports' transfer rankings, Mendoza is a 4-star prospect and the third-ranked overall quarterback in the portal. He was behind Oklahoma commit John Mateer and Mississippi State commit Luke Kromenhoek.
Mendoza announced on Dec. 11 he was entering the transfer portal after two seasons at Cal. He took over as the starter midway through his freshman season, finishing with 1,708 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in nine games.
As the full-time starter entering the 2024 season, Mendoza turned in a terrific performance for the Golden Bears. He threw for 3,004 yards, 16 touchdowns and ranked second among all ACC quarterbacks with a 68.7 completion percentage in 11 games (min. 200 attempts).
Quarterback was a big question for the Hoosiers going into next season. Rourke, who tied for the Big Ten lead with 29 touchdown passes and finished third with 3,042 passing yards in 12 starts.
It will be very interesting to see what head coach Curt Cignetti is able to do with Indiana's roster in recruiting coming off the best season in program history.
The Hoosiers rank 14th among 18 Big Ten teams as far as their incoming 2025 class, per 247Sports' composite rankings. The transfer portal is more promising with the seventh-best class in the conference, with Mendoza the top-ranked player in the group.
Mendoza's arrival figures to raise the ceiling for the team next year after he played well for a Cal team that's not overflowing with talent.
Curt Cignetti Says Indiana 'Offense Was Doing Nothing' in CFP Loss to Notre Dame
Dec 21, 2024
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - DECEMBER 20: Head coach Curt Cignetti of the Indiana Hoosiers looks on prior to the Playoff First Round game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on December 20, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The best season in Indiana football history ended on Friday night with a 27-17 loss to Notre Dame in the first-ever game of the 12-team College Football Playoff.
Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti lamented the poor performance from his team, specifically pointing out the "offense was doing nothing" when he basically went with a surrender punt early in the fourth quarter down 20-3.
"I mean, I didn't want to punt, but we were doing nothing on offense, and our defense was still fighting."
Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti breaks down the decision to punt late in the game and down multiple scores vs Notre Dame ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/uc0cONo2kh
The decision baffled fans and ESPN's broadcast crew calling the game. Play-by-play announcer Sean McDonough expressed disbelief on the television call.
"I don't get this at all. … He's really punting it," McDonough said. "That's a head-scratcher to me."
Cignetti's assessment wasn't wrong. The Hoosiers finished with 278 yards of offense, with 126 coming on their final two drives in garbage time when they were down 27-3.
Friday's loss was Indiana's second-worst offensive performance of the season by points and yards. It ranks ahead of only the 38-15 loss to Ohio State on Nov. 23 when the offense finished with 151 total yards.
The defense held up pretty well after giving up a 98-yard touchdown run to Jeremiyah Love in the first quarter. Notre Dame only had 95 rushing yards on 34 attempts (2.8 yards per carry) around that one big play.
Despite the disappointing end to the season, the 2024 Hoosiers still set a single-season record for wins by the program with 11. It was their first time winning double-digit games in a season. Their previous high was nine wins in 1945 and 1967.
Video: Kirby Smart Mistakenly Calls Indiana 'Purdue' During College GameDay Segment
Dec 20, 2024
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 07: Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart looks on prior to the SEC Championship game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Texas Longhorns on December 07, 2024, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
No coach wants to provide an opponent with clichéd bulletin board material ahead of a big game. Yet Georgia head coach Kirby Smart may have done just that if Indiana advances out of the first round of the College Football Playoff.
During an appearance on College GameDay ahead of the Hoosiers' game against Notre Dame on Friday, Smart mistakenly called the school Purdue:
Purdue and Indiana may not have the most heated rivalry in college football, but their history goes back more than a century. Their first meeting was all the way back in 1891.
If anything, the fact that neither is a traditional powerhouse in college football has probably heightened the animosity. No matter how your season was unfolding, the battle for the Old Oaken Bucket was an opportunity to erase a lot of that disappointment.
Getting confused for Purdue is always going to anger the Hoosier faithful. The combination of who said the remark and when he said it is likely to add to the annoyance.
As Pat McAfee was quick to point out on GameDay, Indiana closed out the regular season with a 66-0 hammering of the Boilermakers. It was the most lopsided outcome ever between the two schools. They were mirror images of one another as the Hoosiers went 11-1 and Purdue finished 1-11. There was no doubt as to who was superior on the field.
Some are likely to see Smart's comment as a Freudian slip, too. Maybe he's not affording Indiana the respect it deserves based on how it has played this season.
Should Curt Cignetti's squad beat Notre Dame, you can bet this will be a small subplot ahead of the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day.
Curt Cignetti: 'So Obvious' Indiana Should Make CFP Bracket Despite Ohio State Loss
Nov 23, 2024
COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Curt Cignetti of the Indiana Hoosiers walks across the field before the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Even though No. 5 Indiana suffered a 38-15 loss to No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday, Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti was still confident that his team should make the College Football Playoff.
When asked about the topic after the game, Cignetti initially didn't want to answer the question before nodding yes (via ESPN's Jake Trotter).
"Is that a serious question? I'm not even going to answer that one," Cignetti said. "The answer's so obvious."
Indiana entered Saturday's contest with a 10-0 record, which included a 7-0 mark against Big Ten opponents.
After a hard-fought win over Michigan on Nov. 9, the Hoosiers weren't able to maintain the momentum throughout their matchup with Ohio State.
Indiana held a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, but the Buckeyes responded by scoring 31 unanswered points that put the game out of reach before Cignetti's team found the end zone again.
Ohio State's defense stifled a Hoosiers team that entered the game with the best scoring offense in the Big Ten. Indiana recorded just 151 total yards, averaging 3.8 yards per pass and 2.0 yards per rush.
On the other side of the ball, the Hoosiers' defense struggled to stop Buckeyes signal-caller Will Johnson. He finished 22-of-26 for 201 yards and two touchdowns to go along with an interception.
Cignetti has exceeded expectations in his first year with the program, as Indiana's 10 wins are already the highest single-season mark in school history.
A lopsided defeat to Ohio State doesn't help Indiana's CFP chances, especially since all of the team's victories have occurred against opponents that don't occupy a top-25 spot. Still, the Hoosiers could be a candidate to earn a spot among the final 12 teams if they defeat Purdue on Nov. 30.
No. 9 Mississippi suffered an upset loss to Florida on Saturday, which should also help Indiana's CFP quest.
ESPN College Gameday 2024: Week 13 Location Hosts, TV Schedule and Predictions
Nov 22, 2024
COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 09: Gee Scott Jr. #88 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates his second quarter touchdown with teammate Will Howard #18 in a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)
No school has hosted ESPN's College GameDay more than Ohio State. And on Saturday, the popular college football kickoff show is returning to Columbus for the 24th time in its 21-year history.
That's not a surprise, because Ohio Stadium will be the site of a pivotal Big Ten matchup that has major College Football Playoff implications.
No. 2 Ohio State is set to host No. 5 Indiana in a contest that will not only help determine the matchup for the Big Ten Championship Game, but it will also help the CFP selection committee sort out the 12-team field. The Buckeyes (9-1, 6-1 in Big Ten) aim to be the first team to knock off the Hoosiers (10-0, 7-0).
College GameDay will air on ESPN and ESPNU from 9 a.m.-noon ET. That will lead right into the kickoff between Indiana and Ohio State, which is scheduled for noon on Fox.
Before getting into more on that matchup, here's the full Top 25 slate for Week 13, along with predictions for each contest.
Week 13 Top 25 Schedule, Predictions
Friday, Nov. 22
No. 24 UNLV at San Jose State, 10 p.m. ET, FS1
Saturday, Nov. 23
No. 5 Indiana at No. 2 Ohio State, noon ET, Fox
Wake Forest at No. 8 Miami, noon ET, ESPN
No. 9 Ole Miss at Florida, noon ET, ABC
No. 13 SMU at Virginia, noon ET, ESPN2
No. 25 Illinois at Rutgers, noon ET, Peacock
UMass at No. 10 Georgia, 12:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network
UTEP at No. 11 Tennessee, 1 p.m. ET, ESPN+
Kentucky at No. 3 Texas, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
No. 4 Penn State at Minnesota, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS
No. 14 BYU at No. 21 Arizona State, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
No. 16 Colorado at Kansas, 3:30 p.m. ET, Fox
The Citadel at No. 17 Clemson, 3:30 p.m. ET, The CW Network
Wofford at No. 18 South Carolina, 4 p.m. ET, ESPN+
No. 23 Missouri at Mississippi State, 4:15 p.m. ET, SEC Network
No. 19 Army vs. No. 6 Notre Dame, 7 p.m. ET, NBC
No. 12 Boise State at Wyoming, 7 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network
No. 7 Alabama at Oklahoma, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC
No. 15 Texas A&M at Auburn, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
No. 22 Iowa State at Utah, 7:30 p.m. ET, Fox
Picks in bold.
Indiana-Ohio State Preview
It has been a long time since Indiana beat Ohio State. How long exactly? Well, the last time the Hoosiers defeated the Buckeyes, ESPN's College GameDay hadn't even aired its premiere episode yet.
Indiana's most recent victory over Ohio State came on Oct. 8, 1988, when the Hoosiers secured a 41-7 win at home in Bloomington. Two years later, the teams tied, playing to a 27-27 score at Indiana.
Since that tie, the Buckeyes have orchestrated a 28-game winning streak against the Hoosiers. It's the longest active winning streak for any Division I team against a single opponent.
So, history is strongly on the side of Ohio State, which leads the all-time series against Indiana 79-12-5.
"Their tradition speaks for itself," Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti recently said, per Chase Brown of Eleven Warriors. "It's a big game for us because it's this game coming up. We treat them all alike."
Even if Cignetti is treating it like his team's previous 10 games, this one provides a chance for Indiana to make a statement. The Hoosiers may be undefeated, but they have yet to play a ranked opponent this season.
Ohio State will be quite a tough test. The Buckeyes' only setback this year has been a 32-31 loss on Oct. 12 at Oregon, which is currently No. 1 in the CFP rankings. They have gotten back on track with four consecutive wins, including an impressive 20-13 victory on Nov. 2 at Penn State, currently ranked No. 4.
There's a good chance the winner of Saturday's Indiana-Ohio State game will go on to face Oregon in the Big Ten Championship Game on Dec. 7. A loss would also hurt either team's case to make the CFP as an at-large bid.
"Our guys are fired up for this one and know this is a must-win for us," Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day said, per Mitch Stacy of the Associated Press.
Ohio State is a sizable favorite, considering it has already proved itself as a strong team and will be playing in front of its home fans. The most likely scenario is the Buckeyes win fairly handily and eventually get their rematch against the Ducks.
Indiana can't be counted out, but it's a clear underdog for this one. The prediction here is that the Hoosiers will come up a bit short on the road.
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti walks down the field during a college football game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the UCLA Bruins on September 14, 2024, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
In the midst of the best season in program history, head coach Curt Cignetti is receiving a new contract from Indiana.
Indiana announced on Saturday the Cignetti's eight-year deal runs through the 2032 season and will pay him an average annual salary of $8 million.
"I am beyond appreciative for the tremendous commitment, confidence, and support from President Pam Whitten and Athletic Director Scott Dolson. Manette and I love Bloomington and are grateful for how the IU community has embraced us," said Cignetti as part of the announcement. "I look forward to leading this outstanding program and doing my part to continue the momentum for Hoosier football."
ESPN's Pete Thamel first reported Cignetti agreed to a new deal that added more years and "significantly" increase his pay. ESPN's Adam Rittenberg added the contract will also increase the salary pool for Cignetti's coaching staff.
Cignetti was hired by Indiana in November 2023 after firing Tom Allen. The Hoosiers went a combined 9-27 overall with just three wins in Big Ten play in Allen's final three seasons dating back to 2021.
The 63-year-old Cignetti has been a head coach since 2011 with three different programs prior to getting the Indiana job. He previously worked at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Elon and James Madison, going a combined 119-35 in 13 seasons.
Cignetti's original deal with the Hoosiers was for six years and $27 million, not including bonuses and performance incentives, but his base salary started at just $500,000.
To say that Cignetti has outperformed that contract would be an understatement. The Hoosiers have already set a single-season program record with 10 wins. They are currently No. 5 in the College Football Playoff rankings with two games remaining in the regular season.
Indiana's 20-15 win over Michigan on Nov. 9 triggered an automatic one-year extension and $250,000 raise in his contract starting in 2025.
Indiana coach Curt Cignetti now has $600,000 in bonuses so far this season, plus automatic 1-year contract extension and $250,000 raise that begins next season. https://t.co/VJd94N4qc0
Indiana and top-ranked Oregon are the only remaining undefeated teams in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers rank second in FBS in points per game and seventh in points allowed per game.
Cignetti and the Hoosiers will face their biggest test of the season in their next game. They will take on No. 2 Ohio State in Columbus on Nov. 23 in a game that could determine one of the two teams that plays in the Big Ten Championship Game.
ESPN College Gameday 2024: TV Schedule and Predictions for Week 9 Location
Erik Beaston
Oct 25, 2024
SEATTLE, WA - October 14: ESPN Gameday host Pat McAfee chuckles was at the University of Washington for the college football game between the University of Washington and the Oregon Ducks on October 14, 2023 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jesse Beals/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The crew from ESPN College Gameday rolls into Bloomington, Indiana for just the second time in the show's history Saturday for a showdown between the unbeaten No. 13 Hoosiers and the Washington Huskies.
It is just the second time that the Midwest school has played host to the ESPN crew, with the first coming back in the opening week of the 2017 season, when the home team squared off with Ohio State.
Bloomington, Indiana is hosting College GameDay this weekend..
Will the 7-0 Hoosiers improve their unbeaten record against the Huskies or will Washington spoil a momentous moment?
Date: Saturday, October 26
Time: 9:00 a.m.
TV: ESPN, ESPN U
Streaming: ESPN+
Crew: Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Lee Corso, Pat McAfee, Nick Saban, and Stanford Steve
Guest Picker: Kyle Schwarber
Prediction: Indiana vs. Washington
The Huskies played in last year's national title game but this year's squad under new head coach Jedd Fisch looks nothing like that squad.
At 2-2 and coming off an abysmal, 40-16 loss to the typically offensively challenged Iowa Hawkeyes, they arrive hoping to play spoiler and ruin an unbeaten start to the season by the Hoosiers.
Curt Cignetti has his squad balling after a disappointing 3-9 season a year ago, with blowout wins against every opponent they have come across so far.
On paper, Indiana looks like the better team and should win Saturday's match-up.
In the immortal words of the great Corso, however, "not so fast!"
The Hoosiers' starting quarterback, Kurtis Rourke, will not play due to an injured thumb suffered a week ago against Nebraska. Backup signal-caller Tayven Jackson will start under center for the home team against a Washington defense allowing just 17 points per game.
How will @IndianaFootball look with a full game of Tayven Jackson at QB? ➡️ @Jbooty88 hits the Nebraska tape for a preview of his upcoming start under center. 📽️
Without Rourke, there is a certain level of uncertainty that exists for that Indiana Hoosiers offense and its ability to score enough, and not turn the ball over, to avoid an upset.
Still, Indiana is the better team, has momentum on its side, and will have a rabid fan base behind it in a jam-packed Indiana University Memorial Stadium.
The home team wins it and it's not particularly close.
Prediction: Indiana by 20
Report: Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke May Return vs. MSU After Surgery on Thumb Injury
Oct 20, 2024
BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 19: Indiana Hoosiers QB Kurtis Rourke (9) during a college football game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Indiana Hoosiers on October 19, 2024 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, IN (Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
No. 13 Indiana will attempt to stay unbeaten without a major piece of the team's offense.
Hoosiers starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke is doubtful for Saturday's game against Washington after undergoing thumb surgery but may be able to return on Nov. 2 against Michigan State, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.
The timeline to return for injured Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke is coming into focus, as sources told ESPN that Rourke's 'prognosis has improved' after he underwent surgery on his injured right thumb Monday.
The successful surgery provided some clarity on a potential return, including optimism that he could be back for Indiana's game at Michigan State on Nov. 2. Rourke is still doubtful for No. 13 Indiana's home game against Washington on Saturday.
Rourke sustained the injury in the second quarter of Indiana's 56-7 win over Nebraska on Saturday, staying in the game until halftime. He wasn't able to take the field in the second half, though.
Prior to the injury, the 23-year-old was able to lead the Hoosiers to a 28-7 halftime lead. Rourke finished 17-of-21 for 189 yards and a touchdown to go along with an interception.
He was replaced in the second half by sophomore Tayven Jackson, who thrived against the Cornhuskers' secondary. He completed seven of his eight pass attempts for 91 yards and two touchdowns.
The Hoosiers were also able to cruise to the win without Rourke due to a dominant rushing performance, picking up 215 yards on 33 carries as a team.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti detailed Rourke's injury after the game.
"He had a thumb on a helmet, nail kind of came off," Cignetti said, per Michael Niziolek of the Indianapolis Star. "We'll know more tomorrow, but optimistic."
Rourke transferred from Ohio to Indiana following the 2023 season and was off to a strong start, establishing himself as one of the top signal-callers in the country. His 15 passing touchdowns are tied for the most among all Big Ten passers, while his 1,941 yards through the air rank No. 4 in the conference.
He's also thrown just three interceptions this season.
Jackson will likely replace Rourke if he can't suit up against Washington. It'll be a challenge for him, as the Huskies own the best pass defense in the Big Ten.
Indiana Shows CFB Fans It's 'for Real' with Blowout Win vs. Dylan Raiola, Nebraska
Oct 19, 2024
BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 19: Indiana Hoosiers QB Kurtis Rourke (9) during a college football game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Indiana Hoosiers on October 19, 2024 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, IN (Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Indiana was set to face it's first perceived "test" of the 2024 season with a matchup against Nebraska on Saturday.
It's safe to say the Hoosiers passed with flying colors.
Indiana cruised to a 56-7 victory to improve to 7-0 on the season and solidify itself as a true contender within the Big 10.
The Nebraska defense allowed 504 total yards while the offense managed just 3-4. Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola had a difficult day, going 28-of-44 for 234 yards and three interceptions.
The Hoosiers playmakers lived up to the moment, with multiple players shining. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke went 17-of-21 for 189 yards with one touchdown and one interception despite leaving the game with an injury. Backup Tayven Jackson kept the pace up, going 7-of-8 for 91 yards and two touchdowns.
Justice Ellison had nine carries for 105 yards and two touchdowns while Ty Son Lawton had eight carries for 64 yards and a touchdown.
Fans took to social media to hail the Hoosiers as "legit" and praise their potential.
Nebraska: considers themselves a football blue blood, pours unlimited resources into football, flexes a fake sell out streak, hasn’t even mustered a bowl appearance in nearly a decade
Indiana: hey what if we gave football a shot this year
Indiana has a legit shot to claim a top-10 ranking following the victory and has also positioned itself well for inclusion in the Big 10 Championship. However, some tough matchups do lie ahead.
Indiana will face Washington next week but have matchups against Michigan and Ohio State in back-to-back weeks on the slate. Those matchups will be crucial in determining where Indiana falls in the CFP positioning, but the win over Nebraska shows the program is headed in the right directions.
