Indiana Hoosiers star quarterback Kurtis Rourke is preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft. He finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting after leading the Hoosiers to an appearance in the College Football Playoff. However, that has become even more impressive after it was reported by NFL insider Tom Pelissero that he had played through a torn ACL all season.
Kurtis Rourke Set To Undergo ACL Revision Surgery
Rourke had a better season than many expected as he played a critical role in the Indiana Hoosiers’ unexpectedly great season. According to the report from Pelissero, he played the entire season with a torn ACL. He reportedly re-tore it in August and pushed through it all season, performing at an elite level. He will now undergo ACL revision surgery.
Kurtis Rourke is one tough dude.
What he and Indiana did is nothing short of incredible. https://t.co/G4qawrwzJm
— Brendan Moore (@bmoorecfb) January 3, 2025
Rourke is now expected to prepare for the 2025 NFL draft. He has used up all of his NCAA eligibility. He posted on Instagram after Indiana’s final game of the season, thanking many of the people who helped him reach this point.
“As I prepare to take the next step in my football journey and declare for the NFL Draft, I find myself reflecting on the incredible people and experiences that have brought me to this moment. I thank God for his constant presence in my life. My faith has been my foundation through all the ups and downs. I’m excited for what His plan holds, knowing that with God, all things are possible, and His purpose is greater than anything I could have imagined.”
“To Indiana University, though my time with you was brief, I am deeply grateful for the chance to join such a passionate and dedicated football family. Being part of the incredible run we had this year was nothing short of extraordinary, and I’ll carry those experiences with me forever. The fight, grit, and determination in my teammates and coaches will continue to inspire me as I move forward.”
“As I look ahead to the NFL Draft, I carry with me the lessons, love, and support of all who’ve been part of this incredible journey. Thank you for being part of my story. This is only the beginning.”
Rourke did a good job of improving his draft stock this season, but it is unclear when he will be drafted. He is not viewed as a first-round prospect, and it is unclear whether he will be drafted at all after the latest injury development. He would be the first Indiana quarterback drafted since Nate Sudfield in 2016.
In Pro Football Network’s latest seven-round NFL mock draft, Rourke was selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the 137th pick at the back end of the fourth round. Rourke may project better as an NFL backup, but this recent injury may further complicate his draft stock, even if he was able to play on it all season.
In Dalton Miller’s early 2025 NFL Draft QB rankings, he likened Rourke to Mason Rudolph of the Tennessee Titans:
“Like Rudolph, Rourke is a big-bodied quarterback with a lot of experience and production at the college level. He’s a load to try and bring down for would-be tacklers in the pocket unable to hit him squarely, and he’s adept at both avoiding turnover-worthy plays and avoiding unnecessary sacks. Those are two critical traits for an NFL backup to possess.
“Although the league has shifted toward more mobile QBs, the pocket passer still exists and even thrives at the NFL level. However, as is the case with Rudolph, a big frame doesn’t necessarily equal big-arm talent. Rourke’s arm moves in slow motion, and his overall lack of flexibility and velocity negatively impacts his upside at the next level.”