Football is tough. Football is not for the faint of heart or for the weak of body. TCU transfer and Indiana Hoosiers QB Josh Hoover proved that in the first half of his debut against North Texas.
Halfway through the second quarter Hoover dropped back to pass and North Texas defensive lineman Udoka Ezeani took a hold of Hoover’s facemask, completely spinning the facemask to the back of his head. It was one of the worst and most blatant facemasks you’ll ever see. The play caused Hoover to bleed profusely, yet he stayed in the game.
Shortly after that vicious facemask, the Fox Big Noon Saturday crew showed a close-up of Hoover looking like he just went 15 rounds like Ivan Drago. With his eyes half open and face bloodied, broadcaster Gus Johnson said, “Welcome to Indiana. He bleeds red.”
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Josh Hoover drops back to pass during the second quarter of a college football game against the North Texas Mean Green on Sept. 5, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Three plays after the penalty, with blood pouring down his nose, dripping from his chinstrap and facemask, Hoover delivered a dart to arguably his favorite target, wide receiver Charlie Becker for a 9-yard touchdown.
Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Charlie Becker catches a pass for a touchdown against the North Texas Mean Green on Sept. 5, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Hoover could be seen with blood all over his pants, face, and jersey. It was everywhere. He proved that this is why we love the game of football so much. College football is delivering in a major way in week one and I’m here for it.
Indiana Hoosiers unveil National Champions 2025 signage in Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind., before a game against North Texas on Sept. 5, 2026. (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Hoover has some big shoes to fill following Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, and a program coming off a National Championship. He finished the first half nearly perfect, completing 7 of 8 pass attempts for 100 yards and 2 touchdowns.
