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ATHENS, Ohio— Ohio quarterback Kurtis Rourke walked across Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium on a sunny afternoon in Athens, Ohio with his helmet in his hand after his position group had just signified the official end of practice in their signature style— a dance with a golf swing and a nae nae. Rourke and his team had spent the afternoon preparing for the next game of their blistering 2023 schedule. 

Rourke helped lead the Bobcats to a Mid-American Conference East Division title last season, and with that came their first bowl appearance since 2019. He was a freshman on the sidelines the last time the Bobcats went to a bowl, and his brother, Nathan, was the quarterback.  

Rourke got into football because of Nathan. Although he tried every sport he could including basketball, hockey and even badminton his freshman year of high school, football was the one sport that caught his eye as a young athlete. The two brothers would throw around a football while their red lab, Brandy, ran around their yard in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. As a younger brother, Rourke was Nathan's shadow growing up. He did everything Nathan did, including fall in love with football.

"As I grew up and started to play every other sport, I really fell in love with football and felt like I had a certain gift or a talent in it and I just started to work hard to perfect it," Rourke said.

Ohio quarterbacks coach Scott Isphording remembers Rourke attending a camp in Athens while his brother Nathan was on the team. Isphording kept his eye on the then 5-foot-10 high school junior as he threw with the other campers. He was smaller than some of the other quarterbacks on the line.

A few months later, Isphording saw Rourke again. He didn't notice Rourke at first among the other fans at the Bobcats' game because Rourke had sprouted a few inches and tacked on more muscle since his last trip to Athens. He was now able to launch a football down the field with finesse.

"I remember going up to see him throw and now he's a lot bigger and a lot stronger and throws the ball better than I'd ever remembered him and fortunately for us, that's continued," Isphording said. 

Ohio didn't know the extent of what it would get when it offered Rourke a spot on the team, but over the past five seasons, it has come to know Rourke as a genuine leader. It didn't take long for Rourke to gain the team's trust and he has maintained it with his warm personality. 

Rourke grew into his own last season — and tacked three inches onto his height — while he navigated his first near-complete season as sole quarterback of the Bobcats since 2020. He was a part of a dual-quarterback offense with Armani Rogers in 2021 and the two split time on the field. It was odd for Rourke to be the sole person shouting plays at the offense again, but he adjusted with time.

"I think he's gotten way more comfortable in his own skin," Isphording said. "I think that he's adjusted to the leadership role, not that he's the guy that is the center of attention."



Although the quarterback is his own biggest critic, he doesn't let his personal turmoil bleed onto others. Rourke hasn't avoided stormy weather during his tenure. He had multiple seasons cut short due to injuries and had to sit out while his team took on the biggest stages. However, Rourke tagged along with a smile on his face for games and community events rather than sit and think about all he'd lost. 

Rourke doesn't have the typical stone-cold energy of a pro-caliber quarterback. He waves and sends a thumbs up to photographers when he spots them on the sidelines. The only time his brow furrows is when he reads a defense or he takes a call from the coaching staff on the sidelines. He has an appreciation for everyone he interacts with and strives to spread kindness. Isphording believes that there isn't a single person that Rourke doesn't like until they give him a reason not to.

"I think community is really important for me. Community was a big part of me coming to faith in Jesus and so I want to keep that going as much as I can," Rourke said. 

Off the field, Rourke is the vice president of OU's Athletes in Action chapter. Athletes in Action is a branch of Cru Ministry that aids athletes in using their platform to further develop their faith. Athletes in action allowed Rourke to expand upon the values he had learned growing up. He's shared his message through various forms and even spoke at a local church. It's a different avenue for Rourke to use his leadership skills, and the club has provided him with an outlet outside of football. 

Rourke's actions on and off the field last season earned him the 2022 Vern Smith Leadership award from the MAC. One of Isphording's favorite memories with Rourke is when he found out he'd won the award. The Ohio athletics staff sat Rourke down after the season was over to film a "thank you" to fans, but it was actually to announce his awards. Isphording recalled the way Rourke's eyes lit up as he read the teleprompter. Not all Division I quarterbacks would enjoy the foolishness of a fake public service announcement the way Rourke did. 

Rourke has a knack for football and for finding joy. His main goal for the future is to be happy in whatever he does whether it be playing professionally or as a high school football coach — his preferred level to coach. He has a passion for all sports and making people smile. 

"Whatever I do in the future, I just want to be happy and enjoy it," Rourke said. "I'm lucky to be getting married next year, and I'm looking forward to starting a new life and new journey. I've already started a happy life." 

Before then, though, Rourke has to lead the Bobcats through a few more matchups with his signature lopsided grin.