**Josh Hoover Reveals Why He Turned Down Tennessee**
This spring, TCU quarterback Josh Hoover faced the type of situation that makes coaches and fans across the Big 12 and ACC uneasy—being targeted by a major SEC or Big Ten program. As one of the Big 12’s top returning quarterbacks, Hoover had the chance to transfer to Tennessee but chose to stay put in Fort Worth. It marked one of the most significant recruiting wins of Sonny Dykes’ tenure as TCU’s head coach.
On Tuesday, Hoover publicly explained his decision for the first time. Speaking to reporters inside TCU’s athletic facility, he said, “I love Fort Worth. I love TCU. This is the place I want to be. I came here to win a Big 12 championship, and I told my teammates I’d be the quarterback this year. The way I was raised, your word means something.”
Reports suggest Tennessee offered Hoover over \$2 million to make the move. TCU upped its offer to retain him, though it didn’t match what Tennessee put on the table. Still, Hoover insisted it wasn’t a difficult decision.
“This is where I want to be. My family is close. I love the people, my teammates, and coaches. I want to win the Big 12 title,” he said.
Hoover, who earned his degree in May and has two years of eligibility left, knows the offers will keep coming. As one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country—throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2024—he’s likely to remain a top target for big-name programs.
Tennessee pursued Hoover after their starting quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, unexpectedly entered the transfer portal. A breakdown in NIL negotiations led to Iamaleava’s departure, and he eventually landed at UCLA. The Vols quickly zeroed in on Hoover as their top replacement.
Coach Dykes credited TCU’s culture for keeping Hoover and limiting transfer losses. “People love living in Fort Worth, and it carries over to our program. Guys love it here,” he said.
Dykes recalled a similar situation with defensive lineman Dominic Williams, who eventually transferred to Oklahoma after repeatedly fielding offers from other schools. But Hoover’s role is far more central—TCU is building its offense around him, and he’s no longer an unknown quantity.
“There’s no outside pressure, just internal,” Hoover said. “I want to get better. That’s my goal. I think this is going to be a great year.”
Turning down Tennessee’s massive offer to stay at TCU might already make this year a win for the Horned Frogs.
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