Indiana Quarterback Kurtis Rourke Named To Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Watch List

Transfer from Ohio University is the ninth Hoosier to make a preseason watch list.

Indiana University's Kurtis Rourke (9) passes during the first day of fall practice at the Mellencamp Pavilion at Indiana University on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. / Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK

Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke isn't officially the Hoosiers' starting quarterback yet, but he's getting national attention as if he will be.

On Wednesday, Rourke, a transfer from Ohio University, was named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award preseason watch list.

 The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award is presented to the top upperclassman quarterback in the nation. Rourke is one of 63 quarterbacks to make the preseason list.

While Indiana coach Curt Cignetti has not named Rourke as Indiana's starter, all signs point in that direction. On Monday, Cignetti said Rourke has "separated himself pretty significantly" from other Indiana quarterbacks seeking the starting role. Tayven Jackson, Tyler Cherry and Alberto Mendoza are among the quarterbacks trying to win the starting job.

Rourke was a three-year starter at Ohio before he transferred to Indiana. The Bobcats went from a three-win team in 2021 during Rourke's first year as a starter to a pair of 10-win seasons and two bowl wins with Rourke in-charge. Rourke was the Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the year in 2022 and first-team All-MAC.

Rourke has completed 638 of 963 passes for 7,651 passing yards during his career. He threw 50 touchdown passes at Ohio and rushed for 1,240 career yards with 11 rushing TDs.

Rourke has amassed 8,479 career all-purpose yards and accounted for 61 touchdowns (50 passing, 11 rushing). He has completed 638-of-963 passes for 7,651 yards passing and 50 touchdown passes and rushed for 1,240 career yards on 232 carries with 11 touchdowns. He also excelled in the classroom as an Academic All-American in 2022 and enters the season with his undergraduate degree in hand from Ohio U.

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• ROURKE SEPARATES FROM PACK: Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti had high praise for quarterback Kurtis Rourke. CLICK HERE.

• ROURKE AMONG THE REASONS FOR FOOTBALL OPTIMISM: Todd Golden discusses three reasons to feel bullish about Indiana football in 2024. CLICK HERE.

• COMMENTS REVEALING: When Curt Cignetti talks quarterbacks, he doesn't commit to a starter, but his words still say a lot. CLICK HERE.