Indiana QB Josh Hoover Earned Team's Respect With Bloody Nose

Indiana’s new starting quarterback, Josh Hoover, went viral on Saturday against North Texas after being tackled hard and continuing to play with blood running down his face. Indiana, the defending national champions, is preparing to defend its crown in 2026 after Fernando Mendoza moved to the NFL with the Las Vegas Raiders. Hoover said the moment “looked way worse than it felt,” while a reporter asked whether the incident made teammates think he was “invincible.” Receiver Charlie Becker praised Hoover as “one tough kid.” Indiana opened at home and dominated North Texas 52-16, as Hoover threw for 231 yards and four touchdowns on 13-of-16.