Curt Cignetti 'Doesn't See Value' in Naming Starting Quarterback

Image: Indiana Athletics

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

New Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti had many bold statements on Thursday in Indianapolis and this included an update on the “battle” for the starting quarterback job. Cignetti’s track record with quarterbacks, which is fantastic, gives him the grace to do what he sees fit with the position. However, he will not name a starting quarterback and does not see the point in doing so.

“I've never seen the value of really naming the starter. I mean, our first year in Sunbelt, Todd Centeio came from Colorado State, and we tried them out for the first snap of the first game and never named starter and Sunbelt player year.” Cignetti said aat a side podium session.

The same went for JMU’s quarterback last year in Jordan McCloud who did not start the Dukes’ opener against Bucknell yet went on to win Sun Belt Player of the Year.

While there is no public declaration of a starting quarterback, Cignetti’s comments paint a clear picture of what is going on with the room between incoming transfer Kurtis Rourke and redshirt sophomore Tayven Jackson.

“I've always made the quarterback decision when it comes to the portal. Our last four quarterbacks have all been Player of the Year in the league, and they were all different, and they all had their skeptics. We've done a great job of developing our quarterbacks. I felt like he was the best out there for us. He had started a lot of games. He was Player of the Year in the conference in 2022. He won a lot of games, engineered a lot of two-minute drives, done a lot of touchdown passes. Gotten them back to second and ten when put in a bad situation. I thought he had a really good spring, a great summer. I sleep better at night knowing I've got a guy like that that's played that many games.” Cignetti said of Ohio transfer Kurtis Rourke.

The other contender for the starting spot, Jackson, has starting experience as well but was bench mid-season last year. Jackson showed promise in the spring game having the better night, but still has a ways to go according to Cignetti.

“I think Taven Jackson's improved, but still needs to keep improving in terms of his preparation and processing. And, you know, playing quarterback at a high level, I'm talking about the mental part of decision making, but he's made significant progress. We got two young guys we like, so I want to promote competition at every position.” Cignetti explained.

While Jackson may have had the more impressive spring showcase, the performances that Rourke had in practice have made an impression on Cignetti the more he watches film.

“When we went back, we watched all of our spring cutups offensively. And the more I watched them, just the more impressed I was (with Rourke).” Cignetti said.

Hoosier fans can rest easier at night knowing Cignetti has his hand picked quarterback on the roster.