The Indiana Hoosiers keep on winning, and quarterback Kurtis Rourke keeps on boosting his 2025 NFL Draft stock with each win.
Indiana ripped apart visiting Nebraska on Saturday, thanks in part to a near-perfect first half of football from Rourke. A transfer from Ohio, where he was a three-year starter for the Bobcats, Rourke keeps on playing like he should be much more prominent in the draft discussion.
His accuracy, feathery touch, quick-release zip, excellent pocket awareness and opportunistic running were all on display against Nebraska–just as they were in Hoosier wins over UCLA, Northwestern and every other team Indiana has played. Against the Cornhuskers, Rourke completed 17 of his 21 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game at halftime after hitting his throwing thumb on a Nebraska defender late in the half.
Rourke has prototypical NFL size at 6-foot-5 and 223 pounds. His head coach, Curt Cignetti, compared him to Philip Rivers in terms of his unflappable presence and competitiveness. Rourke is a significantly higher-end and more NFL-ready QB prospect than his older brother, Nathan, who had reserve runs before heading to the CFL.
It could be that NFL pundits are a little gunshy on Rourke because of that CFL connection. Rourke is Canadian and is likely to be the top pick in the CFL draft. His brother Nathan is a star for the B.C. Lions, and it seems like many expect Nathan’s unsavory experience in the NFL to send Kurtis, who turns 24 this month, back to his homeland to play, too. That would be a disservice to the bigger, more talented young brother.
His multitude of strong game film, experience and physical talent make Rourke a viable Day 2 prospect at this point. It’s the improved decision-making and easy chemistry he’s shown with a brand-new supporting cast at his new school that have really helped, aside from the winning and the athletic potential.