Grant Wilson’s Start Against USC was Weeks in the Making

Indiana made a change at quarterback on Saturday as Grant Wilson started in place of a beleaguered Josh Hoover. The speculation all week was that it could be a game time decison as Hoover was not listed on any availability report. However, Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignett said the decision to start Wilson came a couple weeks ago.

“I kind of made that decision really the night that we beat Minnesota. When I went home and when I woke up, you know, it was kind of confirmed based on how I felt. I wanted to confirm what I was thinking before I went to bed and was supported by everybody in the organization.” Cignetti said after Wilson led the Hoosiers to a 27-13 win over No. 18 USC Saturday afternoon.

Wilson had replaced Hoover at halftime of the Hoosiers’ overtime victory against Minnesota two weeks ago. With the bye week coming up, Cignetti felt that the choice was clear and was pretty non-chalant in letting Wilson know.

“I’d say I think it was the beginning of this week. He told me that I would be going with the ones, and then from there on, just went with the ones. He pulled me to the side while out there at practice, and he goes “you’re going to go with the ones,” and then he turned around and walked away.” Wilson said after the game.

The seventh-year quarterback finished the game 17-of-27 passing for 305 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. It was the Hoosiers first 300-yard passing game of 2026. Wilson had seven passes for 15 or more yards, including three of 40 or more yards.

Wilson’s ability to push the ball downfield consistently helped unlock an IU offense that has been stuck in the mud.

“We had a lot of scouting reports and we had a lot of plays that we put in this week for these guys. And kudos to them because their defense was really good. But just being with Grant [Wilson], he feels and he looks so comfortable out there, which is something that I think that you know we’ve gone over these past two weeks and just kids just balling.” Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker said of the offense.

While Wilson led the team to victory, he still gave Hoover his roses and talked about how hard it has been for him with his shoulder injury.

“What (Josh’s) been going through is tough. I don’t wish that on anyone. I don’t know if I’m allowed to say it. I’m so probably not going to say it, but he’s he’s gone through so much with the shoulder. He’s he’s a great teammate. He’s been there for me. We still watch film together every single day in the quarterback’s room. We’re just spending time together. He’s awesome. He’s a great mentor. He’s been through so much football. He has so much experience. So, he’s just spilling little things throughout practice and he’s still being the leader. He’s he’s an awesome teammate.” Wilson said of Hoover after the game.

Indiana is now 9-1 (6-1) and will head out to the West Coast to take on Washington, but Cignetti will not commit to giving Wilson the full-time job.

“My position is going to be we’ll evaluate it this week as we go.” Cignetti said of his position on the starting quarterback job.