Josh Hoover set to return to TCU amid transfer rumors

TCU quarterback Josh Hoover is not entering the transfer portal, his representatives told On3 on Wednesday afternoon. The decision comes amidst rumors of Hoover being a possible target for Tennessee in the transfer portal.

The Volunteers lost starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava to the portal following a contract dispute that resulted in Tennessee moving on from its starter. Hoover has played in 24 career games, throwing for 6,157 career yards and 42 touchdowns with only 20 interceptions.

Hoover is 11–8 as a starter, including a 9-4 mark in 2024 with TCU when he threw for 3,949 yards. ESPN reported Saturday that one quarterback already got more money from his school Friday after Tennessee’s collective called third-party officials tied to him. Multiple sources have told On3 that they expect a ripple effect, with non-SEC Power Four quarterbacks around the country expected to receive raises in light of the Tennessee opening.

Hoover is locked in and staying with TCU, though. Tennessee has already begun to vet several options, especially with the sales pitch of playing in the SEC. Tennessee does have multiple other scholarship quarterbacks on its roster, including redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and freshman George MacIntyre.

“The players love him, believe in him, have a ton of confidence in him,” TCU head coach Sonny Dykes previously said of Hoover. “That’s where it starts. When that guy walks in the room and everybody has his back and believes in him and cares about him, you know, that’s a good starting point.”

TCU opens the 2025 season on Monday, Sept. 1 at North Carolina. Josh Hoover has +25000 odds to win the Heisman Trophy, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.