In a strategic move signaling a new era for Indiana Hoosiers football, head coach Curt Cignetti has officially named freshman Jacob Bell as the starting quarterback for the 2025 season. This announcement comes on the heels of significant changes within the team’s quarterback roster, setting high expectations for the upcoming season.
Jacob Bell’s Rapid Rise
Jacob Bell, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound talent from Naperville North High School in Illinois, committed to Indiana University on December 25, 2024, flipping his allegiance from Ball State University just a day after receiving the Hoosiers’ offer. His senior year statistics are impressive: completing 63% of his passes for 3,082 yards, 38 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. Additionally, he rushed for 142 yards and four touchdowns, earning him All-State honors and recognition as the Naperville Sun and Daily Herald Player of the Year.
Quarterback Room Overhaul
Bell’s arrival is part of a broader transformation in Indiana’s quarterback lineup. Redshirt sophomore Kurtis Rourke, who led the team to an 11-win season and a College Football Playoff appearance, has exhausted his eligibility. Backup quarterback Tayven Jackson entered the transfer portal, prompting the Hoosiers to seek fresh talent. In addition to Bell, Indiana secured Fernando Mendoza, a transfer from the University of California, further enriching the quarterback pool.
Coaching Changes and Future Outlook
The quarterback coaching position has also seen changes, with Chandler Whitmer replacing Tino Sunseri, who departed for the offensive coordinator role at UCLA. Whitmer’s expertise is expected to play a pivotal role in developing Bell and his peers. With these adjustments, the Hoosiers’ quarterback room now comprises Fernando Mendoza (redshirt sophomore), Alberto Mendoza (redshirt freshman), Tyler Cherry (redshirt freshman), and Jacob Bell (freshman).
