6-Banner Sunday: Indiana Football Makes History, Basketball Battles On, and More from a Busy Week in Bloomington
It’s not every week you get to say this: Indiana University is home to a national champion football team. That’s the headline, the story, and the moment that’s going to live in Hoosier lore for a long, long time.
But that wasn’t the only thing happening in IU sports this week. Men’s and women’s basketball continued their Big Ten slates, with mixed results, and several Olympic sports made some noise as well.
Let’s dive into the six biggest storylines from the past week in IU athletics.
Banner #1 - Indiana Football Wins Its First-Ever National Championship
Let’s not bury the lede - Indiana football just did what once seemed impossible. The Hoosiers are national champions.
IU capped off a perfect 16-0 season with a 27-21 win over Miami (FL) in the title game, a thriller that had everything you’d want from a championship showdown. A blocked punt returned for a touchdown.
A clutch late-game scramble and score from Fernando Mendoza. A game-sealing interception.
And when the clock hit zero, it was Indiana hoisting the trophy on the Hurricanes’ home turf - with what looked like two-thirds of Hard Rock Stadium cheering them on.
This marks the 26th national title in IU athletics history, but the first for football. It’s also the program’s first undefeated season since, well, ever - and makes Indiana the only school with the most recent undefeated seasons in both football and men’s basketball.
The celebration didn’t stop in Miami. Back in Bloomington, fans braved the cold to pack Memorial Stadium for a victory rally that capped off a weeklong party across the state. For Indiana, this is the biggest football moment since the Colts won the Super Bowl on that very same field back in 2007.
Head coach Curt Cignetti has quickly turned IU into a national power, but this particular team will look different moving forward. Stars like Mendoza and D’Angelo Ponds are off to the NFL or out of eligibility. Still, what they accomplished this season will be etched into Indiana history forever - a season that brought record crowds, huge TV numbers, and a level of belief that Hoosier football hadn’t seen before.
Banner #2 - Men’s Basketball Snaps Skid with Blowout Win at Rutgers
While football was celebrating history, the men’s basketball team was trying to stop the bleeding. After dropping four straight, IU found its rhythm again with a dominant 82-59 win at Rutgers.
This wasn’t just a win - it was a statement. Indiana buried 15 threes and had three players go off for 20+ points: Tucker DeVries, Nick Dorn, and Lamar Wilkerson. When those three are clicking, this team looks completely different.
The Hoosiers took control early and never looked back, showcasing the kind of offensive firepower that’s been missing in recent weeks. For a team that’s been up and down all season, this was a much-needed confidence boost.
Banner #3 - Hoosiers Outmatched in Road Loss at Michigan
Of course, consistency remains elusive. Just a few days after the Rutgers win, Indiana ran into a buzzsaw in Ann Arbor. Michigan jumped out early and kept the Hoosiers at arm’s length all night, cruising to an 86-72 victory.
IU made the final score look a little more respectable in the second half, but the damage was done early. The loss drops Indiana to 13-7 overall and 4-5 in the Big Ten - a resume that puts them squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble.
The good news? There’s still time to build a case.
The bad news? The schedule isn’t doing them any favors.
Up next: a home showdown with top-ranked Purdue, followed by a trip to red-hot UCLA. Those are the kinds of games that can make or break a season.
Right now, IU sits around 35th in the NET rankings. They’ve avoided bad losses, but they’re still searching for that signature win that can boost their tournament credentials. The next few weeks will tell us a lot about where this team is headed.
Banner #4 - Women’s Basketball Still Searching for a Big Ten Win
It’s been a tough stretch for the women’s basketball team. After a competitive loss at Ohio State this week, the Hoosiers are still winless in Big Ten play at 0-8, with an overall record of 11-9.
There are signs of hope on the horizon - a new recruiting coordinator is in place, and the program’s best-ever recruiting class is on the way. But right now, the team is feeling the effects of past recruiting missteps, and it’s showing in the standings.
Today could offer a chance to turn things around. IU heads to West Lafayette for a rivalry matchup with Purdue, and the Boilermakers have had their own struggles this season. Tip-off is at noon ET on BTN, and the Hoosiers will be looking to finally break through in conference play.
Banner #5 - Podcasts Dive into IU’s Championship Moment
Naturally, Indiana’s national title run was the focus of this week’s podcast lineup.
On Podcast on the Brink, Alex Bozich was joined by Josh Pos to break down the football team’s improbable championship journey - from preseason expectations to the final moments in Miami.
The Back Home Network also rolled out a full slate of shows, many of which focused on the football team’s historic season and what it means for the future of IU athletics.
If you’re looking for analysis, celebration, and some behind-the-scenes insight, it’s a great time to catch up on IU podcast content.
Banner #6 - Hoosier Roundup: Olympic Sports Making Waves
It wasn’t just the high-profile sports making noise this week. Several IU programs had strong showings:
- Water Polo is off to a red-hot start, upsetting top-10 UC Irvine and picking up three more wins, including one over ranked Brown. The Hoosiers are now a perfect 5-0.
- Baseball opened up season ticket sales as they gear up for spring.
- Men’s Soccer saw one of its players sign a professional contract.
- Wrestling split its duals this week, topping Maryland but falling to powerhouse Penn State.
- Women’s Tennis grabbed wins over Kennesaw State and Butler.
- Men’s Tennis fell in tough matches against Mississippi State and Virginia.
- Track and Field competed in the Crossroads Invite as the indoor season continues.
Final Thought
It’s not every week you get to celebrate a national championship. Indiana football just gave Hoosier Nation a moment it’s been dreaming about for decades - and maybe even one it didn’t think was possible. As basketball season heats up and spring sports begin to stir, there’s a renewed energy around IU athletics.
And rightfully so. This is a program on the rise - across the board.
Enjoy your Sunday, Hoosier fans. You’ve earned it.