Indiana Soaks in the Moment Ahead of Rose Bowl Clash with Alabama
There’s a certain kind of magic in the air during Rose Bowl week - the kind that blends tradition, pageantry, and high-stakes football into one unforgettable experience. And this year, the Indiana Hoosiers are soaking up every bit of it.
Inside the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles, the Hoosiers were all smiles as they took part in Media Day ahead of their Rose Bowl showdown with the Alabama Crimson Tide. For a program that’s rarely found itself on this kind of stage, the moment wasn’t lost on anyone - and it showed.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who’s been a steadying presence for Indiana all season, was front and center, fielding questions with a grin that never seemed to fade. At one point, his brother and fellow Hoosiers quarterback Alberto Mendoza tossed a handful of roses his way, a lighthearted moment that captured the team’s mood: focused, but enjoying every second of the ride.
Nearby, running backs Kaelon Black and Khobie Martin took a break from the media gauntlet to play a game of Connect Four. It was a small scene, but one that spoke volumes about the culture head coach Curt Cignetti has built - competitive, yes, but grounded in camaraderie.
Cignetti himself took the podium with the poise of a coach who’s been here before, even if the program hasn’t. He answered questions with the calm confidence of a man who knows his team belongs on this stage - and plans to prove it.
Around the room, other Hoosiers players embraced the spotlight. Wide receiver Elijah Sarratt shared laughs with Big Ten Network’s Olivia Karas, while kicker Brendan Franke, decked out in necklaces, handled questions with ease. Defensive backs D’Angelo Ponds and Louis Moore each had their turn in the hot seat, with Moore taking a quiet moment to gaze at the Rose Bowl trophy - a symbol of just how far this Indiana team has come.
Offensive lineman Pat Coogan and wideout E.J. Williams Jr. were also among those representing the Hoosiers, each taking time to reflect on the journey that brought them to Pasadena. For a team that’s battled its way through the Big Ten and earned a spot in one of college football’s most iconic games, this moment is more than just a media obligation - it’s a celebration.
Make no mistake, Indiana knows the challenge that awaits. Alabama is a perennial powerhouse, a program built on dominance and expectations.
But the Hoosiers aren’t just happy to be here. They’re here to compete.
And as the roses fly and the cameras flash, Indiana is embracing the moment - not as underdogs, but as a team that’s earned its place in the Granddaddy of Them All.