The Indiana Hoosiers could be in deep trouble without starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke, however, the replacement is a capable athlete.
Rourke went down during the massive win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers with a thumb injury, which required surgery. Rourke was ruled out following the game, however, an exact timetable for his return has not been issued. The only detail regarding his return is that it will occur sometime during the regular season for the Hoosiers.
Without Rourke, the Indiana Hoosiers staff will turn to quarterback Tayven Jackson to fill in until the starter can return. Jackson, a former four-star recruit in the 2022 class, signed with the Tennessee Volunteers before eventually transferring to Indiana. Jackson was outshined in a loaded quarterback room during his time in Tennessee, with true freshman sensation Nico Iamaleava scheduled to enter the program at the time.
The Greenwood native played a solid amount for the team a season ago but did not have the greatest season for the Hoosiers. Jackson started four games last season and went 2-2 during his tenure as the starter for Indiana.
Jackson recorded 914 yards, two passing touchdowns, and five interceptions along with eight sacks. The quarterback struggled, but the entire Indiana Hoosiers team struggled on both sides of the football during the 2023 season. The 2024 season, however, has been a different story for the strong quarterback in just a short sample thus far.
While many Hoosiers fans might be worried about the team without Rourke at the helm, Jackson is prepared for a situation like this.
Previously this season, Jackson had been not only the backup quarterback but also the relief quarterback in many of the big wins for Indiana. The quarterback has recorded 225 yards, three passing touchdowns, and a rating of 93.9 across three games. The 6-foot-4-inch quarterback has also showcased a rushing ability this season, carrying the ball intelligently six times for 36 yards and one touchdown.
Jackson has showcased a new-found confidence behind the successful Hoosiers offensive line in just a short sample. The quarterback has been decisive, accurate, and intelligent when playing this season and likely will continue when handed over the starting role temporarily. On the ground, Jackson has also shown a rushing prowess he didn’t previously attempt to use as often.
The only knock on Jackson moving forward is his inexperience against high-level competition at the collegiate level. Jackson was extremely successful in high school but has not had nearly the same level of success in college yet. Both Washington and Michigan State are going to provide much tougher defenses than the ones Jackson has previously faced this season.
The Indiana Hoosiers have a strong team with a solid foundation on offense and talent all around the football. Due to this, winning each game in the absence of Rourke will not be placed solely upon Jackson. Rather, the team will have to keep things simple and stick to the basics to allow Jackson to continue to adjust to the collegiate level.
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