Locked In and Pasadena-Bound: Indiana Football Turns Up the Intensity Ahead of Rose Bowl Showdown with Alabama
As Indiana football prepares for its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, the energy inside Mellencamp Pavilion on Sunday told you everything you needed to know: this team knows exactly what’s at stake.
With the Rose Bowl just days away, Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers moved practice indoors to avoid the heavy winds sweeping through Monroe County. While the light rain outside might’ve mirrored what they’ll face in Pasadena, the gusts made it tough to get real work done. So, instead of braving the elements, Indiana opted for a clean, focused session under the lights of their newly renovated indoor facility.
And that facility? It’s not the same Mellencamp Pavilion many IU fans-or even recent alumni-remember.
Over the last year, Indiana has invested heavily in upgrading the nearly two-decade-old building. The turf is fresh, the lighting sharper, and the HVAC system has been modernized.
But it’s the details that stand out-like the “FAST x PHYSICAL x RELENTLESS” signage that now greets players at one end of the field. It’s clear this is Cignetti’s program now, and his fingerprints are all over it.
Fisher Brings the Fire
If there was any doubt about how seriously Indiana is taking this moment, Aiden Fisher erased it.
The All-American linebacker, who’s been the heart of this defense all season, gathered his teammates during warmups and delivered a no-nonsense, high-octane pep talk. His message was simple: don’t take this opportunity for granted.
With the Rose Bowl just days away, Fisher reminded the Hoosiers that they’re living the dream so many others wish they had. “Everybody,” he shouted, “wants to be in your (expletive) shoes!”
It wasn’t just noise-it was leadership. The kind that resonates in the biggest moments.
Injury Update: Cooper and the O-Line in the Mix
There was good news on the injury front as well. Wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana’s top target this season, was active in practice.
That lines up with what Cignetti had hinted at earlier in the week-no major injuries coming out of the Big Ten Championship Game. Cooper’s presence is a big one, especially against an Alabama secondary that thrives on disrupting timing and spacing.
On the offensive line, redshirt freshman Adedamola Ajani continues to be a name to watch. He’s been seeing more reps as the season has progressed, working at both guard and tackle.
Offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan noted over the weekend that Indiana feels confident in a seven-man rotation up front, and Ajani, along with Zen Michalski, is expected to be part of that mix. How exactly the line shakes out against Alabama’s ferocious front seven remains to be seen, but Indiana has options-and that’s a good place to be.
Mendoza in Command
Then there’s Fernando Mendoza.
The Heisman winner was in full command on Sunday, and it wasn’t just about throwing darts during drills. Mendoza was vocal, instructive, and fully engaged-pulling aside receivers to talk through routes, making adjustments on the fly, and showing exactly why he’s the face of this team. This wasn’t just a quarterback going through the motions; this was a leader setting the tone for the most important game of the season.
He’s talked before about earning the right to lead, about putting in the work during the offseason. On Sunday, that leadership was on full display.
What’s Next
The Hoosiers are wheels up for Los Angeles on Monday. After a brief media availability following their arrival, the schedule ramps up quickly. Tuesday brings a packed media day and more practice, followed by coaches’ press conferences on Wednesday.
And then? Thursday is gameday.
A date with Alabama. On the Rose Bowl stage. With a College Football Playoff semifinal on the line.
Indiana’s never been here before-but if Sunday’s practice was any indication, they’re not just happy to be here. They’re ready to make it count.