Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Tayven Jackson got the start on Saturday for the Indiana Hoosiers against the Washington Huskies in place of injured starter Kurtis Rourke.
And Jackson made the most of it.
Jackson, who transferred from Tennessee to Indiana after the 2022 season, passed for 124 yards and a touchdown to go along with 17 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in Indiana’s 31-17 win against Washington.
The win moved the Hoosiers to 8-0 on the season.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Rourke, who had thumb surgery earlier this week, could return for Indiana’s game next week against Michigan State.
If Rourke isn’t able to go against the Spartans, Indiana pass rusher Mikail Kamara is extremely confident in Jackson’s ability to lead the Hoosiers to another win.
Kamara, in fact, told reporters on Saturday that he’s confident in Jackson — whether it’s against Michigan State or in the national championship game.
“A bunch of confidence,” said Kamara when asked how much confidence he has in Jackson. “I’ve seen all the things he’s done in practice, all he did in camp. It’s nothing new. I wasn’t surprised to see him go out there and ball…going forward, I don’t know the situation with with Kurtis, but going forward if he (Jackson) is the quarterback next week, I’m confident. If he’s the quarterback going into the national championship, I’m confident. He can play.”