IU football quarterback Kurtis Rourke underwent a surgery on his injured thumb Monday that provided optimism for a short recovery time.

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. All he has to do now is help the 13th-ranked Hoosiers beat Washington.

After suffering a thumb injury against Nebraska, Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke could return on Nov. 2 against Michigan State, according to ESPN's Pete Thame

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.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — Indiana Hoosiers starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke will be out indefinitely with an injured right thumb, the team announced Sunday. Rourke was injured during the first half of Saturday’s 56-7 rout over Nebraska when his hand hit the helmet of a Cornhuskers defensive player.

Indiana Hoosiers starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke injured the thumb on his right throwing hand in Saturday's 56-7 victory over Nebraska, and was initially ruled out indefinitely with the injury.

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.

Does Indiana football have one of the most experience backup quarterbacks in the Big Ten? Here's a look at how he stacks up:

Indiana is fortunate after quarterback Kurtis Rourke’s injury to have a backup like Tayven Jackson, a well-balanced roster and quarterback-friendly coaching staff.