40 Facts About Kurtis Rourke

Early Life and Background

Kurtis Rourke's journey to becoming a standout quarterback began in Canada. His early years laid the foundation for his future success.

1. Birthdate and Place: Kurtis Rourke was born on October 25, 2000, in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. This Canadian origin adds a unique twist to his football journey.

2. Height and Weight: Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 223 pounds, Rourke has the ideal build for a quarterback, giving him a physical edge on the field.

3. High School Career: Rourke played quarterback for Holy Trinity Academy under head coach Matt Hassett. His high school years were marked by impressive performances.

4. High School Achievements: Leading his team to a Halton Championship in 2017, Rourke was a two-time league MVP and first-team all-star selection, showcasing his early talent.

5. College Recruitment: Despite his high ranking in Canada, Rourke faced challenges in the recruitment process, initially receiving only one Division II scholarship offer.

6. Brother’s Influence: Kurtis' older brother, Nathan Rourke, played quarterback at Ohio University, helping Kurtis get noticed by college coaches.

College Career at Ohio University

Kurtis Rourke's college career at Ohio University saw him grow from a redshirt freshman to a key player, overcoming challenges along the way.

7. Redshirt Season: In 2019, Rourke redshirted his freshman season, appearing in only one game and rushing for 20 yards.

8. Early Career Stats: During his redshirt freshman season in 2020, Rourke started all three games, completing 30 of 44 passes for 386 yards and three touchdowns.

9. Development as a Player: Over the next few seasons, Rourke developed significantly, eventually becoming the primary quarterback for the Ohio Bobcats.

10. MAC Student Athlete of the Week: Rourke was named MAC Student Athlete of the Week on October 27, 2021, and again on September 27, 2023, for his outstanding performance.

11. MAC East Offensive Player of the Week: He earned this title three times during the 2022 season, highlighting his consistent excellence on the field.

12. Season-Ending Injury: In the 2022 season, Rourke suffered a torn ACL in the eleventh game against Ball State, ending his season prematurely.

13. Academic Achievements: Rourke has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, earning Academic All-MAC honors and being named to the 2023 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Football Team.

Transfer to Indiana University

After a successful stint at Ohio University, Rourke made a significant move by transferring to Indiana University, where he continued to shine.

14. Transfer to Indiana: Rourke entered the transfer portal on December 5, 2023, and decided to transfer to Indiana University, where he was offered a scholarship by newly hired coach Curt Cignetti.

15. Indiana Hoosiers’ Success: Under Rourke’s leadership, the Indiana Hoosiers achieved a 6-0 start for the first time since 1967, a remarkable turnaround.

16. Career Statistics: As of the 2024 season, Rourke has appeared in 45 games, starting 43, with impressive stats including 10,061 passing yards and 71 touchdowns.

17. Notable Games: One of his standout performances was against Fordham in 2022, where he threw for a season-high 537 yards and four touchdowns.

18. Leadership Awards: Rourke won the 2022 Vern Smith Leadership Award for MAC Player of the Year, recognizing his leadership on and off the field.

Personal Life and Family

Kurtis Rourke's personal life and family background have played a crucial role in his journey, providing support and inspiration.

19. Family Background: Kurtis was born to Larry and Robyn Rourke. His older brother, Nathan, is a professional quarterback who played for the B.C. Lions in the CFL and had a stint with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.

20. Personal Life: Rourke’s family has been instrumental in his success, with his parents and brother providing unwavering support.

21. Education: Rourke is currently undecided on his major but has been an honor roll student throughout his academic career at Ohio University.

22. Career Highs: His career highs include passing attempts (50 vs. Fordham), passing completions (41 vs. Fordham), and passing yards (537 vs. Fordham).

23. Draft Potential: Rourke has the prototypical measurables for an NFL quarterback, making him a late-round possibility entering the season.

24. Big Ten Leadership: As of the 2024 season, Rourke leads the Big Ten in passer rating (192.1), yards per attempt (11), and touchdowns (14).

Achievements and Awards

Rourke's career is decorated with numerous awards and recognitions, highlighting his talent and hard work.

25. College Awards and Honors: Rourke has been included on the watch lists for several prestigious awards including the Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien Award, Walter Camp Award, Manning Award, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

26. Indiana’s Turnaround: Under Rourke’s leadership, Indiana has experienced a dramatic turnaround, achieving a 6-0 start.

27. Brotherly Bond: The Rourke brothers achieved their goal of playing together on the same college team, with Kurtis taking notes and offering advice from the sidelines.

28. Transfer Portal Experience: After entering the transfer portal, Rourke received calls from several schools but chose Indiana, impressed by coach Curt Cignetti.

29. Coaching Influence: Coach Cignetti’s impressive coaching resume likely influenced Rourke’s decision to sign with Indiana.

Overcoming Challenges

Rourke's journey has not been without its challenges, but his resilience and determination have helped him overcome them.

30. Early College Struggles: Despite his success, Rourke faced early struggles in college, sharing time with Armani Rogers before becoming the primary quarterback.

31. MAC Records: During his time at Ohio University, Rourke set multiple program records, including completing 244 passes for over 3,200 yards and 25 touchdowns in the 2022 season.

32. Personal Growth: Rourke’s journey from a relatively unknown prospect to a standout player is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

33. Canadian Football Background: Growing up in Canada, Rourke played Grade 13 football, which has different rules and larger fields compared to the NCAA.

34. Family Legacy: The Rourke family has a rich legacy in football, with Nathan Rourke’s success setting a high standard for Kurtis.

Leadership and Community Involvement

Rourke's leadership extends beyond the field, as he actively engages in community and academic activities.

35. Leadership Style: Rourke’s leadership style is characterized by his ability to stay calm under pressure and make crucial decisions on the field.

36. Off-Field Activities: Despite his busy schedule, Rourke has been involved in various off-field activities, advocating for mental health and academic excellence.

37. Community Involvement: Rourke has participated in several community outreach programs, visiting local schools and hospitals to inspire young athletes.

38. Career Milestones: One of Rourke’s significant career milestones was being named MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2022.

39. Future Prospects: As Rourke continues to excel in college football, his future prospects look bright, with many considering him a potential NFL draft pick.

40. Legacy in Indiana Football: Under Rourke’s leadership, Indiana football is experiencing a resurgence, making him one of the most successful quarterbacks in Indiana football history.

Kurtis Rourke's Impact on College Football

Kurtis Rourke's journey from Oakville, Ontario to becoming a standout quarterback in the NCAA is nothing short of inspiring. His impressive stats, leadership skills, and academic achievements have made him a key player to watch. From setting records at Ohio University to leading Indiana to an undefeated start, Rourke's dedication and hard work are evident. His ability to overcome early struggles and injuries showcases his resilience. With a bright future ahead, including potential NFL prospects, Rourke's story is a testament to perseverance and talent. His influence extends beyond the field, impacting his community and inspiring young athletes. Kurtis Rourke has left an indelible mark on college football, and his legacy continues to grow.