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Kurtis Rourke for Heisman? Gus Johnson builds case for IU QB
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Kurtis Rourke and the Indiana Hoosiers have been one of the best stories in college football this season.
The No. 16 Hoosiers are 6-0 overall and 3-0 in B1G play. Rourke is one of the main reasons for the team’s success, as the former Ohio quarterback has been one of the nation’s best passers.
In Week 8, the Hoosiers are playing host to a tough Nebraska team. About halfway through the 3rd quarter, the Hoosiers have a commanding 28-7 lead. Rourke is having another big game, currently with 189 passing yards and 1 touchdown.
Coming back from halftime, FOX broadcaster Gus Johnson suggested Rourke should be in the Heisman running.
“Kurtis Rourke, gotta put him up there, has to be in contention for the Heisman Trophy. I’m going there right now,” said Johnson.
Johnson and Joel Klatt then had a back-and-forth about that take before Johnson asked Klatt who the B1G Offensive MVP has been thus far this season.
“With this first-half performance, you would have to have Rourke in the conversation, you’re absolutely right about that,” said Klatt.
Through 6 games, Rourke had completed 73.8% of his passes for 1,752 yards with 14 TDs and just 2 INTs. The QB has helped the Hoosiers have the No. 2 scoring offense in the country and the No. 10 passing attack. For reference, in 2023, the Hoosiers ended with the No. 105 scoring offense and the No. 84 passing attack.
In Tradition’s latest Heisman Watch through Week 7, Derek Peterson remains high on Rourke with the Hoosier star checking in at No. 6 overall. FanDuel had Rourke at +5000 for the award coming out of Week 7 with Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty and Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel among the favorites.
Rourke spent the first 5 seasons of his college career with the Ohio Bobcats. The impressive QB decided to join Curt Cignetti at Indiana for the 2024 season and the results have exceeded everyone’s expectations.
The next test for Rourke and the Hoosiers will be next weekend against Washington.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Tradition. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.