Athens, Ohio—In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 NFL Draft, Kurtis Rourke, the talented quarterback from Indiana University, was selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the 227th overall pick in the seventh round. This marks a significant milestone not only for Rourke but also for Ohio football, as he becomes the first Bobcat alumnus to be drafted since linebacker Quentin Poling in 2018.
Rourke, who stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 220 pounds, had an impressive collegiate career that spanned multiple years and schools. He began his journey at Ohio University, where he started for three years before transferring to Indiana for his final season of eligibility. During his time at Indiana, Rourke excelled, completing 222 of 320 pass attempts for a remarkable 69.4% completion rate, amassing 3,042 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just five interceptions in 2024.
His performance at Indiana was nothing short of spectacular, setting the school record for single-season passing touchdowns while playing through a torn ACL. "I took a big step last year," Rourke said at an Indianapolis Colts local Pro Day in early April. "Being in different offenses, you expand your knowledge so much." This adaptability and resilience have caught the attention of scouts, though they remain concerned about his ability to perform under pressure.
Before his standout season at Indiana, Rourke had already made a name for himself at Ohio. He played in 48 career games with 46 starts, compiling a total of 11,486 yards of total offense and accounting for 92 touchdowns (79 passing, 13 rushing) throughout his collegiate career. His time at Ohio saw him become the second-leading passer in the school's history, surpassing his brother Nathan Rourke in the process.
In the 2023 season, Rourke logged 11 starts for the Bobcats, throwing for 2,207 yards and earning All-Mid-American Conference Second Team accolades. Notably, he set Ohio's all-time single-game passing record against Fordham in 2022 with an astonishing 537 yards, a record that had stood since 1983. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations earned him the 2022 MAC Offensive Player of the Year award and the Vern Smith Leadership Award.
Rourke's accolades continued to pile up, including being named a Manning Award finalist and a semifinalist for prestigious honors such as the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Award. His impressive statistics and leadership qualities made him a coveted prospect in the NFL Draft, despite concerns surrounding his health due to previous ACL injuries.
During the draft, the 49ers made a strategic decision to add Rourke to their quarterback roster, which already includes Brock Purdy and Mac Jones. While the team does not necessarily need another quarterback, Rourke's potential to develop under head coach Kyle Shanahan's offensive system could prove beneficial. The 49ers have a history of successfully drafting quarterbacks in later rounds, as evidenced by Purdy's emergence as a starter.
However, Rourke's path to the field may be complicated by his ongoing recovery from knee surgery, which he underwent in January 2025 after playing the entirety of the previous season with a knee brace. His ability to compete for a roster spot this season remains uncertain, but he has expressed determination to return to the field as soon as possible.
As Rourke embarks on this new chapter in his career, he carries with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record. He has thrown for over 10,693 yards and 79 touchdowns across his collegiate career, showcasing his capability as a reliable quarterback. His journey from being a multi-year starter at Ohio to leading Indiana to the College Football Playoff exemplifies his growth as a player.
Rourke's selection in the draft is not just a personal achievement; it reflects the hard work and dedication he has put into his craft. He joins an elite group of athletes who have taken the leap to the NFL, and his story serves as an inspiration for aspiring quarterbacks everywhere. The 49ers' decision to draft Rourke could be a pivotal moment for both the player and the franchise as they look to solidify their future at the quarterback position.
As the NFL offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Kurtis Rourke as he navigates the challenges of recovery and adapts to the professional game. His resilience, combined with his impressive skill set, makes him a player to watch in the coming seasons.
