Indiana starting quarterback Josh Hoover does not appear on the initial Big Ten availability report for Saturday's game against No. 18 USC, but the ninth-ranked Hoosiers will be without several key players.
Hoover, who sustained an injury to his throwing arm in an Oct. 17 loss against Ohio State, was replaced by Grant Wilson in the second half of an Oct. 24 overtime win against Minnesota. Coach Curt Cignetti said at his radio show last week that Hoover was "on the mend" and resting during IU's open week, but on Monday did not name a starting quarterback for USC. Wilson drew praise from Cignetti after passing for 156 yards and a touchdown against Minnesota.
Indiana will be without running back Turbo Richard and defensive lineman Kellan Wyatt, both listed as out on the availability report. Richard, who dealt with an ankle injury earlier this season, leads the Hoosiers with 745 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He had seven carries in the Minnesota win. Without Richard, Indiana likely will lean more on Lee Beebe Jr., who has 715 rushing yards.
Wyatt, a reserve defensive lineman, has six tackles this season. The Hoosiers might be without two defensive starters as linebacker Rolijah Hardy and cornerback A.J. Harris are both listed as questionable for USC.
Hardy, a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2025, ranks second on the team with 58 tackles, including 5.5 for loss and two sacks. Harris missed four games earlier this season after sustaining an injury in the opener but has started Indiana's last three games and has 17 tackles and two pass breakups.
Cignetti on Monday said Harris was "day-to-day."