Ohio transfer quarterback Kurtis Rourke announces commitment to Indiana

Indiana and new head coach Curt Cignetti have a veteran quarterback for the 2024 season.

Ohio University transfer Kurtis Rourke announced on Thursday he is coming to Bloomington for his final year of eligibility.

“I love the staff and the fact that they are winners,” Rourke told On3’s Pete Nakos. “The offense also is similar to NFL offenses. There are many other reasons but those were the main ones.”

Rourke has thrown for over 7,600 yards to go with 50 touchdowns in his college career that goes back to 2019. He redshirted in 2019, and the 2020 season did not count against his eligibility. Therefore Rourke has one year of eligibility remaining.

Most of Rourke’s production has come over the last three seasons, when he played in 32 of his 36 career appearances.

The 6-foot-5 and 231 pound Rourke has been one of the best players in the MAC over the last few seasons. In 2022, he was named the MAC Player of the Year after he threw for 3,257 yards, 25 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also had 245 rushing yards to go along with four rushing touchdowns that season.

Rourke suffered a knee injury late in 2022 and battled back this season. In 2023 he threw for 2,207 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.

Ohio was 16-6 with Rourke as a starter over the last two seasons.

An Oakville, Ontario product, Rourke has proven to be a mobile quarterback — he rushed for 832 yards and 11 touchdowns during his time at Ohio.

As things stand, Rourke will compete with returning quarterbacks Tayven Jackson (redshirt sophomore next season) and Broc Lowry (redshirt freshman) next season. IU will also have freshman Alberto Mendoza, who committed to Cignetti earlier this week.

Rourke’s older brother Nathan Rourke, who preceded him as Ohio’s starting quarterback, plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL.