The two have grown so close that after each played a half in Indiana’s most lopsided Big Ten victory since 1945, Jackson put his arm around Rourke and they walked together to the student section. And now Jackson has a chance to lead Indiana to a record-tying 8-0 start.

Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke is not expected to play on Saturday against Washington due to a right thumb injury, as first reported by E

Life as a backup quarterback isn't easy, but Indiana football didn't miss a beat when Tayven Jackson stepped into the game against Nebraska.

Indiana quarterback Tayven Jackson seemingly spent his entire life preparing for Saturday — leading his home state team onto the field for one of the biggest games in program history.

Quarterback injuries can ruin a season and sometimes negatively affect a program’s long-term trajectory. Indiana is familiar with that from

Rourke was replaced by backup quarterback Tayven Jackson, who is the only holdover from IU's 2023 quarterback room. He came into the game after Nebraska threw an interception to Shawn Asbury II with 7:35 left in the third quarter and completed his first six pass attempts as IU doubled a 21-point halftime lead.