Indiana football is riding a wave unlike anything the program has ever seen. In a span of just a few weeks, the Hoosiers didn’t just make history-they rewrote the script entirely.
A Big Ten Championship? Check.
The No. 1 overall seed in the College Football Playoff? Locked in.
And for the first time ever, a Heisman Trophy is heading to Bloomington, thanks to standout quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
That’s not just a good week-it’s the kind of week that cements legacies.
Mendoza’s Heisman win is monumental, not just for Indiana, but for the broader college football landscape. He didn’t just put up eye-popping numbers-he commanded games with a poise and presence that elevated everyone around him.
Whether it was threading tight-window throws or extending plays with his legs, Mendoza consistently delivered in the biggest moments. His Heisman isn’t just a personal accolade-it’s a symbol of how far this Indiana program has come.
And while Mendoza took center stage, the Hoosiers made another key move that could have long-term implications: locking in defensive coordinator Bryant Haines with a new contract. Haines has been the architect behind a defense that’s played with toughness, discipline, and just the right amount of swagger.
His unit hasn’t just kept Indiana in games-it’s helped win them. Retaining him ensures continuity on a side of the ball that’s been just as crucial to IU’s rise as the offense.
But now, with the confetti swept up and the trophies safely tucked away, the focus shifts to what lies ahead: the College Football Playoff. The Hoosiers will take the field on New Year’s Day in the Rose Bowl, but before they know who they’ll face, they’ll be watching closely as No.
8 Oklahoma and No. 9 Alabama square off in Friday night’s opening-round clash.
That game is more than just a formality-it’s a heavyweight bout between two proud programs with championship pedigrees. Whoever comes out of that game will have earned the right to face the top-seeded Hoosiers, and Indiana knows the challenge will be steep no matter who it is. Alabama brings its usual mix of elite talent and postseason experience, while Oklahoma has the kind of explosive offense that can test any defense.
For Indiana, this is uncharted territory-but they’re not backing into this moment. They’ve earned their spot, and they’re playing with the confidence of a team that believes it belongs.
The next two weeks will be about preparation, focus, and blocking out the noise. The celebrations are over.
The real work-the kind that defines champions-is just beginning.
This is a program that’s no longer content with just making history. Now, they’re chasing something even bigger.