Indiana football is becoming an increasingly popular destination for top talent. More five- and four-star recruits are starting to consider Bloomington as a viable option for their next step.
This trend extends to the transfer portal, where players are seeking fresh opportunities. Head coach Curt Cignetti’s inaugural Hoosiers squad was largely built through transfers, a strategy that paid off with an 11-1 record and a College Football Playoff appearance.
While IU is preparing for its upcoming matchup against Notre Dame, Cignetti and his staff are also focused on strengthening the 2025 roster. The Hoosiers are already in talks with several high-profile transfers, including one with family ties to the current roster. So, who are the top Indiana transfer portal targets for 2024-25? Let’s take a look.
Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, California
With senior Kurtis Rourke set to depart, Indiana is on the lookout for its next starting quarterback. Mendoza is quickly emerging as one of the top QB prospects available. The former walk-on at Cal led the team to two bowl games, throwing 30 touchdowns and 16 interceptions with a 69% completion rate. His strong arm, highlighted by 28 “big time throws” in 2024, makes him a standout. Additionally, his younger brother, Alberto Mendoza, currently backs up Rourke for IU, which could give the Hoosiers an edge in recruiting Fernando.
Fluff Bothwell, Running Back, South Alabama
As Indiana loses its top two running backs to graduation, the Hoosiers are eyeing 5-foot-10, 225-pound power back Fluff Bothwell. Coming off a season with 832 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, Bothwell could bring a physical inside running presence to IU. He’s also on the radar of new North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick, but his addition to Indiana’s backfield could elevate the team into the top 10 conversation.
Javon Tracy, Wide Receiver, Miami (Ohio)
Cignetti is looking to bring back a local talent in Tracy, a 6-foot, 200-pound wide receiver from Central Indiana. Tracy caught 57 passes for 818 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2024. With two years of eligibility left, he could be a valuable addition to IU’s receiving corps. The Hoosiers extended an offer to Tracy on December 9, and he is scheduled to visit Bloomington soon.
Duce Robinson, Wide Receiver, USC
Robinson is a high-profile target with impressive size at 6-foot-6. Although his playing time at USC was limited, he still managed to catch 23 passes for 396 yards and 5 touchdowns. His combination of size and speed makes him an intriguing prospect for IU, and he could thrive in Indiana’s offensive system.
Santana Hopper, Defensive End, Appalachian State
Hopper is another Group of Five transfer who could make an impact for the Hoosiers. The 6-foot-2 defensive end has racked up 8.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss during his career at Appalachian State. After Mikail Kamara’s success at IU, Hopper could follow in his footsteps and bring his disruptive pass-rush abilities to Bloomington.
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