Quarterback Jameson Purcell commits to Indiana, becomes Hoosiers' first 2027 pledge
Indiana football took a major step toward locking in its future under center Monday, landing a commitment from class of 2027 quarterback Jameson Purcell.
Purcell, a four-star signal caller from Maine South High School in Park Ridge, Illinois, announced his commitment to the Hoosiers on Monday morning, becoming the program’s first commitment in the class of 2027.
A 6-foot-2 and 193-pound rising junior, Purcell is ranked No. 29 nationally among quarterbacks and No. 361 overall in the Rivals Industry Ranking. He chose Indiana over offers from Florida, Wisconsin and several other Power Four programs.
“It came down to IU, Florida and Wisconsin,” Purcell told TheHoosier.com. “All great choices, and I feel blessed to have so many good opportunities. IU just checked most of my boxes — Coach Cig’s culture, their QB development, our family legacy, the Kelley Business School and proximity to home so family and friends can come see me play.”
A polished passer with poise in the pocket and mobility outside it, Purcell threw for 2,572 yards and 32 touchdowns as a sophomore while completing 70% of his passes. He led Maine South to a deep playoff run, drawing attention from major programs across the country.
But it was Indiana’s offensive vision — and the people behind it — that ultimately set the Hoosiers apart.
“I really like Indiana’s offensive scheme and how explosive their offense is — and how Coach Cignetti develops quarterbacks,” Purcell told On3 earlier this month. “I think my skill set fits in well with their system. I also feel really connected to their quarterbacks coach, Chandler Whitmer.”
That connection proved pivotal.
Whitmer, who joined the Indiana staff after the 2024 season, began recruiting Purcell in January following a workout at Maine South.
The two stayed in regular contact over the following months, and their relationship became a key factor in Purcell’s decision.
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“My relationship with Coach Whitmer has really grown,” Purcell told TheHoosier.com last week. “We just connected on a personal level. With his experience coaching in the NFL, I have learned a lot from him in terms of preparation and training.”
Purcell’s commitment comes at a time of mounting excitement in Bloomington. The Hoosiers are riding the momentum of a breakthrough 2024 season that included the program’s first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.
That success has helped Indiana build recruiting buzz, which has already paid dividends within the 2026 class. Now, Purcell’s pledge sets the tone for the 2027 class.
However, football wasn’t the only factor in his decision.
A legacy recruit, Purcell has deep ties to Indiana. Both his parents — along with six other family members — are IU alumni. Still, Purcell said his decision was ultimately his own.
“My parents helped me weigh the pros and cons of each school, but they made it clear that it’s my journey,” he said. “They just [wanted] me to go where I [found] the best fit.”
With the high school season fast approaching, Purcell wanted to make a decision before returning his focus to the field.
And now, Indiana has its quarterback — and its first building block — for 2027.
“I am really jacked up to play for the Hoosiers and Coach Cig,” Purcell said.
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