Indiana football quarterback Kurtis Rourke played a significant role in the Hoosiers’ season, finishing ninth in Heisman Trophy voting despite facing numerous challenges. Rourke, a one-year rental transfer from Ohio, encountered adversity throughout the year. He suffered a thumb injury on his throwing hand against Nebraska, necessitating surgery and causing him to miss the game against Washington. Additionally, Rourke reportedly played the entire season with a torn ACL in his knee.
According to his agent Casey Muir, Rourke re-injured his ACL in August. Despite this setback, Rourke continued to play with a brace on his knee, showcasing his resilience and determination. His performance was crucial in Indiana’s unexpected rise, particularly during the College Football Playoff run.
Throughout the season, Rourke demonstrated remarkable skill and perseverance. He completed 69.4% of his passes, accumulating 3,042 yards and throwing 29 touchdowns with only five interceptions. These impressive stats earned Rourke recognition as a second-team all-Big Ten selection, underscoring his impact on the team.
Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, Rourke brought experience and leadership to the Hoosiers after spending five seasons at Ohio. During his time with the Bobcats, he showcased his versatility by starting games across four seasons and throwing a total of 47 touchdowns. Rourke’s initial ACL injury in 2022 did not deter his determination, as he continued to excel on the field.
While Rourke’s mobility may have been affected by his ACL injury, he adapted his playing style to contribute effectively to Indiana’s success. Despite finishing the season with negative rushing yards, Rourke’s passing game remained strong, culminating in a historic College Football Playoff appearance for the Hoosiers.
In the CFP game against Notre Dame, Rourke displayed his skills by completing 20 of 33 passes for 215 yards, including two touchdowns and an interception. Despite the team’s loss, Rourke’s performance under challenging circumstances was commendable.
Kurtis Rourke’s journey exemplifies perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. His ability to overcome injuries and continue to excel on the field is a testament to his dedication and talent. As he transitions to the NFL draft radar, Rourke’s impact on Indiana football will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the team’s history.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Kurtis Rourke injury: Indiana QB reportedly played through ACL tear.
