Tennessee reportedly made a push to land TCU quarterback Josh Hoover during the 2025 offseason, but despite their interest, Hoover ultimately decided to remain at TCU and not enter the transfer portal.

The 2025 college football offseason has already been full of surprises, with many high-profile transfers, commitments, and recruitment battles shaping the landscape for the upcoming season. Among these developments was the reported effort by the Tennessee Volunteers to recruit TCU quarterback Josh Hoover, a move that, if successful, could have drastically altered the trajectory of both programs.

Josh Hoover, who had an impressive 2024 season at TCU, became one of the most sought-after quarterbacks during the offseason. Despite Tennessee’s apparent interest and their attempt to bring him on board, Hoover ultimately decided to stay at TCU. This decision not only solidified his place within the Horned Frogs’ offense but also left Tennessee with questions about how to address their quarterback situation moving forward.

In this article, we’ll explore the details behind Tennessee’s pursuit of Josh Hoover, the factors that influenced Hoover’s decision to stay at TCU, and what this means for both programs as they prepare for the 2025 college football season.

Josh Hoover’s Breakout Season at TCU

Before Tennessee made its move to recruit Josh Hoover, it’s important to understand why Hoover became such a hot commodity in the transfer and recruitment market. Hoover, a sophomore quarterback out of Heath, Texas, had an exceptional 2024 season with the TCU Horned Frogs. During that year, Hoover threw for 3,949 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions, leading TCU to a respectable 9–4 record. His performance not only showcased his arm strength and accuracy but also demonstrated his ability to lead a high-powered offense in a competitive conference.

Hoover’s play was characterized by his poise in the pocket, impressive deep-ball accuracy, and ability to read defenses. He had already shown signs of promise as a freshman, but his sophomore year catapulted him into the spotlight as one of the rising stars at the quarterback position in college football. With TCU coming off a strong 2024 campaign, Hoover had the opportunity to solidify his reputation as a future NFL draft prospect, and his status was only growing as the offseason approached.

As one of the top quarterbacks in the country, it was inevitable that Hoover would garner significant interest from other programs. Given the crucial role that the quarterback position plays in college football, it’s no surprise that Tennessee, a program known for its history and competitive aspirations, set its sights on the young signal-caller.

Tennessee’s Pursuit of Josh Hoover

Tennessee’s efforts to recruit Josh Hoover can be understood within the context of the Volunteers’ search for a quarterback who could lead them back to national prominence. Under head coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee had experienced a resurgence, especially on offense, with Heupel’s high-octane system leading to impressive offensive production. However, despite their offensive success, Tennessee had yet to settle on a quarterback who could consistently lead them to the next level.

The Volunteers had struggled with consistency at quarterback in recent years, and while there were flashes of brilliance, Tennessee was still in search of a long-term solution. After a somewhat turbulent 2024 season, in which Tennessee finished with an 8-5 record, the Volunteers’ coaching staff began to explore options for bringing in a quarterback who could offer stability and high-end production.

Tennessee’s interest in Hoover was logical. Hoover had already proven himself capable of handling the pressure of a big-time college football program and had demonstrated the skills necessary to excel in an offense similar to Heupel’s fast-paced, pass-heavy system. Additionally, Hoover’s ability to make quick decisions and take advantage of open receivers downfield would fit well in Tennessee’s offense, which emphasizes a high tempo and quick release passing game.

It was reported that Tennessee reached out to Hoover and his family in an attempt to convince him that the Volunteers’ program was the right fit for his talents. The allure of playing in the SEC, with its national exposure and competitive schedule, was certainly enticing. The Volunteers had the resources to offer Hoover a lucrative NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal, adding another layer of appeal to the opportunity.

Despite Tennessee’s aggressive efforts to recruit him, Hoover’s loyalty to TCU and his desire to continue his development with the Horned Frogs led to a decision that surprised no one more than the Tennessee coaching staff. Hoover’s decision would have significant implications for Tennessee’s quarterback plans moving forward.

Why Josh Hoover Chose to Stay at TCU

Hoover’s decision to remain at TCU was based on several factors, the most important of which was his belief that he was still in the process of developing as a quarterback. Hoover had achieved impressive success in his first two seasons, but he was well aware that his development was not yet complete. The chance to continue growing in a system that had already shown success with his skill set was something Hoover valued. TCU’s coaching staff, led by head coach Sonny Dykes, had fostered an environment in which Hoover was comfortable, and he felt that he could continue to thrive there.

Another key factor in Hoover’s decision was his connection with the TCU program and its future. The Horned Frogs had shown significant promise under Dykes and had been on the rise in recent years, competing at a high level in the Big 12. Hoover was confident that he could lead TCU to further success and eventually contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff. With several key players returning and a system in place that suited his abilities, Hoover felt that he had the opportunity to build on the success of the 2024 season.

Additionally, Hoover’s decision to stay at TCU was influenced by the stability and familiarity that the program provided. Transferring to a new school, even one with the prestige of Tennessee, would have required him to adjust to a new system, new teammates, and new expectations. Hoover’s bond with the TCU coaching staff, his teammates, and the community made it difficult for him to walk away from what he had built in Fort Worth.

Hoover also weighed the pros and cons of competing in the SEC. While the opportunity to play in the SEC and the prestige of Tennessee was appealing, he ultimately felt that he could achieve more by staying at TCU and continuing to develop under Dykes’ guidance. The SEC is undeniably one of the most competitive conferences in college football, but Hoover believed he had the tools to continue his growth and potentially compete for a national championship at TCU.

Impact of Hoover’s Decision on Tennessee

For Tennessee, Hoover’s decision to stay at TCU was a significant blow. The Volunteers had hoped to add a proven and talented quarterback to their roster, especially after a season that saw inconsistent play at the position. With Hoover off the table, Tennessee was left to reconsider its quarterback situation and explore other options in the transfer portal or through recruiting.

Tennessee’s coaching staff quickly pivoted to other quarterbacks who could potentially step into the starting role. With the 2025 season looming, the Volunteers would need to make a decision on their quarterback position soon. There was speculation that Tennessee would continue to pursue other transfer quarterbacks, but Hoover’s decision left them with a sense of urgency. The pressure on Heupel to find the right fit for the offense grew as the offseason continued.

Tennessee also had to reassess its approach to quarterback recruitment in the future. While the Volunteers have consistently been a top program, their struggles at the quarterback position have been an ongoing issue. This latest setback in the pursuit of Hoover only added fuel to the fire of questions about Tennessee’s quarterback development and whether the program would be able to land a top-tier signal-caller in the future.

The Road Ahead for Both Programs

For Josh Hoover, staying at TCU means he will continue to be the centerpiece of the Horned Frogs’ offense in 2025. The pressure to perform will be immense, but Hoover’s strong sophomore campaign has positioned him to be one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the Big 12. If Hoover can lead TCU to another successful season, his draft stock could soar, and he may even put himself in contention for prestigious postseason honors.

As for Tennessee, the Volunteers will have to move forward without Hoover, focusing on finding their next quarterback to lead the team. Whether they look to the transfer portal or develop a young talent on their current roster, the search for stability at the quarterback position will be a focal point for the Volunteers in the coming months. Given Tennessee’s offensive system, which thrives on strong quarterback play, the Volunteers will need to identify a signal-caller who can execute Heupel’s fast-paced, high-scoring offense effectively.

Tennessee’s attempt to land Josh Hoover during the 2025 offseason may have fallen short, but the efforts were indicative of the program’s desire to solidify its quarterback position and compete at the highest level. Hoover’s decision to stay at TCU solidifies his future with the Horned Frogs and gives them a strong foundation moving forward. For Tennessee, the search for a new quarterback continues, and the team will need to regroup and find the right fit to lead them in the upcoming season. Both programs will face unique challenges, but their futures remain promising as they look to the next chapter in their respective journeys.