Before the 2024-2025 college football season, Indiana University Bloomington’s football team had one of the worst records in Division I college football history, losing more games than almost any other program.
But in just two seasons, that reputation completely flipped. This past week, the Hoosiers went 16-0, making history as the only team in doing so since 1894, and won their first national championship after defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21.
“I was fully expecting to be disappointed at the last second,” said Audrey Colby about her expectations going into the national championship.
“But it ended much better than I thought it might.”
That perfect season didn’t just happen overnight. After finishing 3-9 in 2023, IU improved to 11-2 in 2024 and reached the College Football Playoff for the first time. Then in 2025-2026, the Hoosiers won the Big Ten Championship, destroyed Alabama 38–3 in the Rose Bowl, won against Oregon in the Peach Bowl (56-22), and beat Miami 27–21 for the national title.
“It was probably about 80% IU fans. Anytime a big play would happen the place would get insanely loud. The hoo hoo hoosier chant was happening almost every drive.” Said Colton Booker about the atmosphere during the Rose Bowl game.
So, how has Indiana University Bloomington Football been able to achieve all of this?
This was due in part to head coach Curt Cignetti.
After the close of the 2023 season, following three consecutive losing seasons and a 3-9 record, the university paid former Head Coach, Tom Allen, a negotiated $15.5 million buyout.
The decision was made by athletic director Scott Dolson, who felt the program had “lost momentum” and needed new leadership, despite Allen’s past successes, including Indiana’s participation in bowl games in 2019 and 2022.
Scott Dolson also then made the decision to hire Curt Cignetti as the head football coach on November 30, 2023.
When Cignetti arrived in Bloomington, the Hoosiers were in a roster crisis: over 15 players entering the transfer portal and losing quarter-back, Brendan Sorsby, as well as running back, Jaylin Lucas. He had to act fast to put together a competitive team.
Unlike powerhouse programs like Alabama, Ohio State, or Georgia that often chase five-star recruits in high school, Cignetti turned to the transfer portal, a system that allows college players to switch schools. He brought in experienced players who had already started games at other programs.
“I win. Google me,” Cignetti said when explaining how he convinced players to come to Indiana. A recruiting pitch fact based on his coaching resume.
Though, beyond transfers, Cignetti also brought parts of his previous staff with him, which meant players learned the same culture and expectations quickly. Thus, making each practice intentional and focusing on aspects of improvement.
“We put a huge emphasis on ball security,” said running back Roman Hemby.
“We do ball security drills in practice. The running back coaches and players, we do a really good job of doing individual drills where we take care of the football. We make sure that we carry good ball security throughout practices.”
While their methods of training may take a unique approach, it’s no different from the sessions of every other team in the country. Recognizing weaknesses and strengthening them is what is expected. It’s the people that make a difference.
“I think confidence and belief come from when you’re prepared, totally prepared, and get the result you’re looking for,” Cignetti said when asked on how the team is disciplined. “You’ve got to have high standards, expectations, accountability throughout your entire organization. Got to have the right people on your staff and in the locker room. And you improve every single day.”
Their team chemistry shined throughout their performances for the 2025 season. The NCAA 2025 Football Turnover Stats reveals how Indiana finished the season with +22 turnover margin, being ranked number one in the country. Not only that, but during their 2024 season, sitting ranked 5th with a +15 turnover margin.
“We’re normally pretty high in that turnover ratio,” head coach Curt Cignetti said in his Pre-Michigan Press Conference, explaining how protecting the football on offense and attacking on defense was a priority. He pointed out that tight pass coverage and ball-security emphasis in practice meant fewer mistakes in games.
Indiana’s emphasis on ball security showed on the offensive side in the Rose Bowl game. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza did not throw an interception and consistently avoided forcing throws under pressure. By halftime, Indiana led 16–0, and Alabama never recovered, eventually falling 38–3. The Hoosiers won not by taking risks but by refusing to give Alabama extra possessions.
This also carried into the College Football Playoff National Championship against Miami. Indiana led 24–14 halfway into the fourth quarter, however, Miami eventually crept behind by 3 points after their freshman wide receiver, Malachi Toney, ran a 25 yard touchdown, making the score 24-21.
Just after the 2 minute mark, Indiana played it safe, going for a field goal, setting the score to 27-21. Miami still had a final chance with under a minute to go, but Indiana defensive back, Jamari Sharpe, made a game-sealing play, making an interception from a 25 yard throw. That play ended Miami’s possession and sealed the 27–21 victory and the Hoosiers’ first national championship in school history.
“It’s been a special ride, and I think we had just the right staff, the right staff, the right players, and everybody that was right for the job to make this thing happen, and it’s just unbelievable to be a part of, and doing it at Indiana makes it 10 times more special.” Said Indiana Linebacker Aiden Fisher.
Indiana Offensive Lineman Pat Coogan emphasized that everyone having the same goal was central to the Hoosier’s success.
“It takes a village, and it takes all of us, and it takes a whole coaching staff, and it takes a whole players, just everybody to buy in and believe in a common goal, in a common purpose. Like I said, it takes a village, and it really took all of us.”
With the immense success of their 2025 season, Indiana Football has grown out of its old habits. Grayson Esguerra said his thoughts,
“I think this is the turning point for IU and they will continue to be a top ten program in the country for years to come.”
