New Starting QBs: Josh Hoover, DJ Lagway & Keelon Russell Step Into the Spotlight

Three of college football's most storied programs head into the season with unproven starters under center — and the quarterbacks stepping into those roles each carry their own compelling backstory.

At Indiana, the pressure is as high as it gets. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, the top overall pick in the NFL Draft, left Bloomington after leading the Hoosiers on a Cinderella run to the national title. TCU transfer Josh Hoover is next in line. The connection to Indiana isn't new — Hoover originally committed to the Hoosiers out of Rockwall Heath High School in Texas before flipping to TCU just before signing day. After three years as a starter for the Horned Frogs, he's circled back. A multi-sport athlete in high school, Hoover credits his baseball background — particularly pitching mechanics — for developing the varied arm angles and off-platform throwing ability he brings to the position. "I can make all the throws from the pocket and do some dynamic things outside the pocket," Hoover said.

At Baylor, the Bears are banking on DJ Lagway, who transfers in from Florida after two seasons that showed flashes of the talent that made him the Gatorade National Player of the Year as a senior at Willis High School in Texas. His dual-threat ability — the combination of mobility and arm strength — is what coaches point to as his defining edge. "Being very dynamic and just being able to make different types of throws off platform, being different with my legs — that's what really sets me apart," Lagway said. Those around him are equally confident in his football IQ and his ability to absorb and execute an offense.

In Tuscaloosa, Alabama is turning to Keelon Russell after Ty Simpson departed for the NFL. Russell arrived with one of the highest recruiting profiles in recent memory — an All-American at Duncanville High School in Texas and the MVP of the 2024 Elite 11 competition. The development of his confidence has been a central theme in his rise. "I just thank the man above that I got that comfort, that confidence piece in my game," Russell said, "because now I go out here and showcase my talent in front of thousands of people." His coaches point to his coachability, work ethic, and football intelligence as reasons his ceiling remains high.