Signal caller Kurtis Rourke, the transfer from Ohio, has led Indiana’s football resurgence in 2024. Here is a 2025 NFL Draft Early Scouting Report and film analysis on him.
Overview, Film Analysis, and Early 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report of Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke
Measurables:
- 6’5”
- 223 lbs
Player Background:
The redshirt senior quarterback initially began his collegiate career at Ohio back in 2019. He committed to the Bobcats as a Top-100 QB recruit from Holy Trinity Academy in Ontario, Canada. The nonconsensus #1 prospect from Canada rushed for 20 yards on three carries in one game his freshman year before redshirting. He started all three of Ohio’s games in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, throwing for 386 yards and three touchdowns on 68.2% passing. His first major chunk of playing time came the following year, starting eight of the team’s ten contests.
In said games, Rourke threw for 1,801 yards with an 11/7 TD/INT ratio, running for 327 yards and three scores. He took major strides in 2022, taking home conference OPOTY with 3,256 yards through the air, 249 on the ground, and 29 total TDs to just four picks. His 2023 campaign was solid but not spectacular, with 2,426 total yards and 15 scores to five INTs. He entered the transfer portal following the season, ending up at Indiana. Through 10 games, he’s led the Hoosiers to a 9-1 record with almost 2,500 yards and 23 TDs.
Accolades:
- Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year (2022)
- First Team All-MAC (2022)
- Second Team All-MAC (2023)
Strengths/Pros:
Rourke is an incredibly complete quarterback who sees the field very well. He has a prototypical NFL frame and, while not a top-end arm, one that’s strong enough to make just about any short-to-intermediate throws. He can layer throws into the second level and work the ball sharply into smaller lanes, shortening his release to do so. One of his best traits is the anticipation he shows on comeback routes, being able to hit targets out of their break and often throwing them into more space. He’s willing to take what’s in front of him instead of taking ill-advised deep shots.
His processing on RPOs is lively and decisive, selling options well and making impressive quick decisions. His timing on primary reads is rarely off, and he trusts his weapons on back shoulder throws. He keeps the ball away from the defense and his tougher throws are usually noticeably calculated. Rourke navigates the pocket with precision and has the mobility to scramble and create something out of nothing. He’s a tough character who gets back up after big hits and never stops competing.
Weaknesses/Cons:
His lack of elite arm talent and experience in complex offenses are some of the biggest concerns with his game. Rourke can make longer throws but isn’t powerful enough to constantly threaten the defense over the top. He’s seen a lot of success mostly working the short-to-intermediate portion of the field, but could see issues if defenses can take that away. His offense everywhere he’s played in college has prioritized quick hitters and he hasn’t had to traverse an NFL-level intricate system.
His footwork deteriorates on lateral throws, and he drifts too much onto his back foot when faced with pressure. Rourke occasionally throws into windows too tight for his arm talent to fit the ball into. He gets caught staring down his first read at times and is late to rotating off of it. He sometimes tries to stop his arm mid-throw when his read gets covered, leaving the ball vulnerable to fumbles. His age is also a negative factor, being 24 when his rookie season began.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
Kurtis Rourke’s ceiling is likely around a low-end starter in the NFL, but that doesn’t prevent him from being a valuable prospect. His ability to dissect defenses in the quick game and make high-level intermediate throws could make him a perfect game manager QB in a run-first offense. He should enter the league as a reliable backup who won’t make many game-changing mistakes when thrust into action. Cleaning up some minor footwork issues and developing his vision could make him a solid bridge/veteran option for teams.
Prospect Grade:
- Late 3rd Round to Early 4th Round
Film Exposures:
- 2024 vs. Ohio State
- 2024 vs. Nebraska
- 2024 vs. UCLA
Main Image: Trevor Ruszkowski – USA Today Sports
