With the 2026 college football season only weeks away, the race for the Heisman Trophy is already generating plenty of discussion.
Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy weighed in with his prediction this week, naming Indiana signal-caller Josh Hoover.
Josh Hoover Receives Major Heisman Endorsement from Greg McElroy
Taking over for a Heisman Trophy winner, national champion, and No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick like Fernando Mendoza is no small assignment, but Hoover will be expected to embrace that responsibility at Indiana in 2026.
According to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, an anonymous Big 12 defensive coordinator believes the transition represents a “step down,” arguing that Hoover simply won’t match what Mendoza brought to the program.
The same defensive coordinator also dismissed Hoover’s Heisman chances. Discussion about the award remains speculative before the season even begins, but McElroy has much higher expectations for Indiana’s new signal-caller.
On the latest episode of the “Always College Football” podcast, McElroy revealed his preseason top 10 rankings for the 2026 season before making three bold predictions, including Hoover emerging as a Heisman finalist.
“I believe Josh Hoover is going to be in the Heisman mix at season’s end,” McElroy said. “Look, the guy was second in America in passing yards per game last year with a program that had a fraction of the talent.”
Hoover arrives at Indiana after four productive seasons at TCU, where he built one of the most elite passing careers in program history. He set the Horned Frogs’ single-season passing record with 3,949 yards in 2024 and also threw for 3,472 yards in 2025, finishing 21st in the country while earning an 86.0 PFN QB Impact grade last season.
Hoover is entering the 2026 season with 9,629 career passing yards and 71 touchdown passes and will also benefit from a strong supporting cast. Among those returning to Indiana for 2026 is Carter Smith, who earned Offensive Lineman of the Year honors last season.
“I don’t think Josh Hoover skips a beat. I think he’ll finish in the top 10 in the Heisman votes. It wouldn’t even surprise me if he made it to New York as a Heisman finalist.” McElroy added.
Hoover has areas to improve, as interceptions have been an issue at times throughout his career. Indiana’s journey through a demanding Big Ten schedule will also present tougher defensive challenges, including games against big programs such as Ohio State.
However, with head coach Curt Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan leading the offense, Hoover is expected to put together another outstanding season in 2026.
