Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke is not officially the Hoosiers’ starting quarterback yet, but he is garnering national attention as if he soon will be.

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

The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award is given to the nation’s best quarterback playing in high school. Rourke is one of 63 quarterbacks to make the preseason list.

Although Indiana coach Curt Cignetti has not yet named Rourke as Indiana’s starter, all signs point that way. On Monday, Cignetti said Rourke has “separated himself pretty significantly from other Indiana quarterbacks seeking the starting position.” Tayven Jackson, Tyler Cherry and Alberto Mendoza are among the quarterbacks trying to secure the starting spot.

Rourke was a three-year starter at Ohio State before transferring to Indiana. The Bobcats went from a three-win team in 2021 during Rourke’s first year as starter to two 10-win seasons and two bowl victories with Rourke as coach. Rourke was the Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 and was named to the All-MAC first team.

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

Rourke has amassed 8,479 all-purpose yards in his career and has 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 yards on 232 carries with 11 touchdowns. He has also excelled in the classroom as an Academic All-American in 2022 and enters the season with his bachelor’s degree from Ohio U.