The promise of Indiana football’s rise in 2020 felt real. For a moment, it looked like the Hoosiers were finally punching through decades of mediocrity, ready to carve out a new identity in the Big Ten.
But that momentum didn’t last. The combination of a rapidly changing college football landscape - NIL, the transfer portal, and persistent issues protecting the quarterback - ultimately stalled the program.
Tom Allen, the head coach at the time, found himself at the center of it all. By the end of the 2023 season, Indiana had posted a 9-27 record over three years, and the program made a change.
Fast forward to now, and the contrast couldn’t be sharper. Indiana has gone 24-2 in the last two seasons, including an undefeated 13-0 campaign that has them sitting atop the national rankings. The turnaround has been nothing short of stunning - and yes, Tom Allen has been watching.
Now the defensive coordinator at Clemson, Allen is preparing for the Pinstripe Bowl. But when asked about the Hoosiers’ resurgence, he didn’t hesitate to share how closely he’s been following along.
“Just super happy for the players,” Allen said. “I’ve texted a bunch of them, and their parents. A bunch of those guys are playing for them - one was the Big Ten Player of the Year on the offensive line, the kicker is doing extremely well, the receivers, bunch of linemen, DBs, one of their linebackers - just really, really happy for those guys.”
And here’s the thing: many of the key players fueling Indiana’s historic run were brought to Bloomington by Allen himself. Offensive linemen Carter Smith, Drew Evans, Bray Lynch, and Khalil Benson.
Wideouts Omar Cooper Jr., E.J. Williams, and Charlie Becker.
Linebacker Isaiah Jones. Cornerback Jamari Sharpe.
Safeties Amare Ferrell and Louis Moore. That’s a serious core - and it’s a testament to Allen’s eye for talent, even if the results didn’t materialize during his tenure.
Still, the transformation in Bloomington hasn’t just been about the players. Since Curt Cignetti took over, Indiana has made a clear and aggressive investment in football.
That’s included boosting coaching salaries, expanding NIL opportunities, and embracing revenue sharing. Major outside support - including from billionaire alumnus Mark Cuban - has helped fuel the surge.
And with a new TV deal pumping even more money into the athletic department, Indiana is finally operating like a program that wants to compete at the top.
Allen, who was outspoken about the lack of support during his final years at IU, acknowledged the shift.
“Really happy that they’ve chosen to invest in football,” he said. “That’s something that they know they’ve needed to do.
I said that when I left. They had not done that in the past to the level that was necessary.
It’s been awesome to see them recognize that and invest and be able to see them rewarded for that.”
It’s a full-circle moment of sorts. Allen may no longer be on the Indiana sideline, but the fingerprints of his recruiting and culture-building are still all over this team. And while the program has clearly evolved under new leadership, it’s clear there’s a shared pride - even from afar - in what these players have accomplished.
Indiana football isn’t just relevant again. It’s thriving. And for the first time in a long time, the Hoosiers are not just dreaming big - they’re delivering.