The story behind the Hoosiers incredible season.
By Jack Dusek – Sports Editor
When Curt Cignetti was hired to be the next head football coach at Indiana University, he set the tone at his introductory press conference. “It’s pretty simple. I win. Google me”. It was true, Cignetti had an established history of success, but never at a stage as large as the Big Ten.
Cignetti’s first major accomplishment was with NC State, where he was the Quarterbacks Coach for future NFL great Phillip Rivers. This was the first people saw of Cignetti’s amazing talent in developing Quarterbacks, and it earned him a spot as the Receivers coach for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide of Alabama. Studying under the greatest collegiate coach of the 21st century, Cignetti said in an interview that he had learned more about running a program in his first year under Saban than his previous 27 years of coaching.
His success at Alabama led him to take the head coaching position at a division two school, Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He immediately turned around a program that had gone 4-10 in conference play in the previous two seasons, and won them a conference title in his second year there. Cignetti made the division two playoffs three out of six years at IUP, and then made the jump to division one, but at the FCS level with Elon. Again, Cignetti turned around a program with six consecutive losing seasons to back-to-back FCS playoff appearances.
With his success, Cignetti got the job for the first time with a team with a history of success, James Madison. In three years in FCS, Cignetti took them to a championship game and two semifinals, before the dukes moved to the FBS level in the Sun Belt. Moving into the FBS isn’t easy, but JMU went 8-3 in year one, and 11-1 in year two, making the Sun Belt Championship game in both years.
On November 30th, 2023, Cignetti took the job at Indiana, encouraging a new light for the Hoosier faithful, but even they didn’t expect what was to come. Cignetti made a major impact in the transfer portal, bringing in senior QB Kurtis Rourke from Ohio, and WR Elijah Sarratt who came with him from James Madison.
Indiana started off the season on fire, winning their first 10 games for the best start to a season in Indiana history, including wins over defending champions Michigan and runner-up Washington. A large loss to Ohio State in week 13 put the team in jeopardy of making the playoffs, but a massive 66-0 route of rivals Purdue secured their spot in the first iteration of the 12-team playoff.
In the matchup, Indiana traveled to in-state football powerhouse, Notre Dame. The Irish have won 11 championships, and Indiana had just their first-ever 10-win season. It was a relatively close game, but Notre Dame won 27-17, nevertheless it was still a historic season for Indiana. Going into the following season, no one thought Indiana could repeat their success, as they benefited from a relatively easy schedule.
Fernando Mendoza was born on October 1, 2003, in Boston, Massachusetts, but moved to Miami, Florida at a young age. There Mendoza went to play for Christopher Columbus High School, where he earned a starting role in his junior year. Throughout his two seasons for CCHS, Mendoza threw for over 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns and took his school to the state semifinal his senior year. He originally committed to play for Yale at the FCS level but then flipped to California.
After redshirting at Cal his freshman year, Mendoza started his first career game in week six of 2022 against Oregon State. In a loss, he threw for 207 yards and two touchdowns, earning the starter role for the rest of the season. California had an extremely rough next three games, facing 16th ranked Utah, 24 USC, and 6 Oregon. Mendoza played phenomenal in the USC game, as the offense scored 49 points, but it was one too little as they fell 49-50. California would win the next three games to close out the year, and gave promise for Mendoza the next season.
Entering the 2024 season as the full-time starter for Cal, Mendoza did not disappoint. He led the Golden Bears to an upset win over Auburn in week two, throwing for two touchdowns. In weeks nine and ten, Mendoza led California to victories over Oregon State and Wake Forest, where the offense scored over 40 in both, and Mendoza won player of the week twice. California ended the season with a 6-7 record, and Mendoza announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal following the season.
On December 23, 2024 Fernando Mendoza committed to play football at the University of Indiana, pairing up with Cignetti for the 2025 season. Entering the year, Indiana was ranked 20th, and many thought it would be very hard for the Hoosiers to repeat their success, given a good amount of roster turnover from the previous year.
Indiana won the first game of the year, but were matched up with a much inferior opponent in the Old Dominion Monarchs. And they did struggle at times in that game, only winning by 13. After the ODU game, many wrote off Indiana and Fernando Mendoza as a repeat playoff team, but they bounced back, beating two more lightweight teams by large amounts. The Hoosiers topped Kennesaw State 56-9, and destroyed Indiana State 73-0. A major test stood ahead of Indiana in their fourth game of the season, as they would take on the ninth ranked team in the country, Illinois.
It wasn’t even close. The Hoosiers led 35-7 at halftime, and won the game 63-10 in dominating fashion. The 53-point win put Indiana as a team to watch this season, and some started to speculate if this team was somehow capable of repeating, or even going further than last year’s success.
The Iowa Hawkeyes hosted the next game, a stout defense and tough home crowd awaited Cignetti and crew. As expected, it was a defensive battle tied 10-10 heading into the fourth quarter. Iowa surprisingly took the lead on a massive 54-yard field goal, but Nico Radicic immediately answered with a field goal of his own. Then with a minute and a half remaining, Mendoza hit Elijah Sarratt for a 49-yard touchdown, to secure the victory for Indiana and keep their undefeated record.
The toughest game on IU’s schedule awaited them, as they were to go on the road to face the number three team in the country, Oregon. The Ducks struck first, with a big 44-yard touchdown throw from QB Dante Moore, a fellow Heisman candidate alongside Mendoza. Indiana responded with a three-yard run from RB Roman Hemby, and held the lead 10-7 after the first quarter. Both teams had a field goal in the second, and Roman Hemby had another touchdown in the third quarter to give Indiana a 20-13 lead.
However, Mendoza made his first big mistake of the season, throwing an interception to Brandon Finney Jr. in which he returned it for a pick six to tie the ballgame. Mendoza showed his resilience, driving down the field and immediately responding with a TD to Elijah Sarratt. One last field goal put the game out of reach, and Indiana would jump to number three in the rankings.
Coming off a major victory against Oregon, Indiana had what could be considered a trap game against a few sub-par opponents. Especially with one being a rivalry game, the Battle for the Old Brass Spittoon against Michigan State. Cignetti made sure his boys were ready for the game, and were not looking ahead . The Hoosiers thrashed the Spartans 38-13 with a great game by Mendoza, who threw for over 300 yards. The following game was against a UCLA team that had won three in a row, but Indiana handled them soundly with a 56-6 win. At 8-0, Indiana had to go to SECU stadium to take on the Maryland Terrapins. In another great performance by the group, IU rolled to another blowout victory winning 55-10.
What would prove to be the Hoosier’s toughest challenge lay ahead of them ,that being a matchup against Penn State in Happy Valley. Penn State had been a top 5 team earlier in the season, but QB Drew Allar had torn his ACL in a game against Northwestern, and the team had lost 5 in a row. Still, facing Penn State on the road is no easy task, and there were a bunch of talented guys on that team.
The game started off slowly, but an 18-yard TD run from Fernando Mendoza put Indiana up first. A quick answer from Penn State tied it up with 11 minutes to go in the first half. A field goal, and a touchdown to end the half by Kaelon Black meant Indiana entered the locker room up 17-7. The teams swapped field goals in quarter number three, but two Nick Singleton TD’s in the final period gave Penn State the lead with about six minutes remaining. A key pass from Mendoza to Sophomore WR Charlie Becker put the Hoosiers into field goal range, and on a 3rd and goal from the 12-yard line Gus Johnson had the call for FOX. “Mendoza…in trouble…end zone…TOUCHDOWN! Give him the Heisman!”
Mendoza had his Heisman moment, but Indiana still had two goals on their mind: A Big Ten title, and a National Championship. With two games remaining in the regular season, Indiana took on Wisconsin, handling business on a 31-7 victory to improve to an 11-0 record. The final game remaining was the Battle of the Old Oaken Bucket against rivals Purdue, where Indiana absolutely destroyed Purdue, winning 56-3 to secure a spot in the Big Ten Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Indiana would take on the first-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, the only other undefeated team in the country and reigning National Champions. Indiana hadn’t won the big ten since 1967. Ohio State hadn’t lost a game in over a calendar year, and to be the champions, you have to beat the champions. Mendoza trotted out for his first snap, and BOOM. Ohio State pass rusher Caden Curry slammed into Mendoza while delivering a pass, and he was down on the turf. Everyone across the country held their breath, as he was on the ground, not getting up.
Mendoza walked off to thunderous applause from Indiana fans, but after a massive hit to his throwing arm, the question of whether he would be able to return was on everybody’s mind. His younger brother, Alberto, would take the reins and give RB Roman Hemby a hand off that went for 1-yard. Then, out came Mendoza appearing from the blue medical tent and right back onto the field.
After a punt on the opening drive, Ohio State was stuck in a 3rd and 6. A throw across the middle…intercepted! Louis Moore was there for Indiana to give the team the ball in plus territory. A field goal later, and Indiana took an early lead in a very defensive battle. However, the arm may have been rattling Fernando, as he forced the ball into traffic and was picked off by Ohio State CB David Igbinosun. Three plays later, Ohio State was in the end zone celebrating. After field goals from both teams, the Hoosiers entered the locker room trailing 6-10.
Coming out of halftime Indiana needed a stop, and they got it after two key sacks to stop the Buckeyes in their tracks. Mendoza got the ball back, trying to at least get some points and close the gap. On a crucial third and two at their his own 20-yard line, Mendoza connected on a deep ball with Charlie Becker to drive Indiana down the field into the red zone. WR Elijah Sarratt, who was one of the few remaining starters from last years’ team, found himself open in the end zone, and Mendoza hit him in stride to re-take the lead and send the local Hoosier fans into a frenzy.
But right down the field went the Buckeyes, down to the Indiana five yard line. On third and one, OSU QB Julian Sayin missed WR Jeremiah Smith for a would-be touchdown, but converted the fourth and one on a sneak down the middle to set up a first and goal. However, the officials congregated at the monitor for a replay review. “After review, Sayin’s knee was ruled down, and it’s Indiana football!”. After that major stop, it was an immediate letdown with a punt on the drive from IU.
Again, Ohio State was driving down the field, and set up a chip shot field goal for their kicker, just 27 yards. But with 2:48 remaining in the game, Jayden Fielding missed the kick wide. From that point on, Indiana ran the clock down, and Ohio State’s Hail Mary attempt was caught, but about ten yards short. Curt Cignetti’s Indiana Hoosiers were Big Ten Champions for the first time in 59 years, and the one-seed in the College Football Playoff.
Indiana would face the number nine seed Alabama Crimson Tide in the Quarterfinals of the CFP, a team which had just beaten Oklahoma on the road in the opening round. Alabama was the football dynasty of the 2010s, but since longtime hall-of-fame head coach Nick Saban had retired, the group has struggled. Still, no playoff game is an easy task. A rare burst of rain happened at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California with a torrential downpour occurring for the entire morning before the game. The grounds crew did try their best to keep the playing field dry, but a very sloppy game would ensue.
Neither team was able to score in the opening quarter, and for the second straight game it seemed to be a defensive battle. But in the second quarter, Indiana seemed to be getting going, as a long drive down the field led to a field goal, which gave some confidence to the group. Four minutes later, Mendoza hit Charlie Becker down the sideline for a 21-yard TD. And then, with 17 seconds remaining in the first half, Fernando connected with Omar Cooper Jr. at the goal line to put IU up 17-0 at the half.
The game was not yet over however, as the Crimson Tide were just down 17 against Oklahoma and ended up winning that game. Cignetti knew that and prepared his defense for a desperate offense in the second half. An instant punt right back to Indiana was the result of the opening drive, and Mendoza drove down the field, and the dagger was a 24-yard score to Elijah Sarratt. From that point on, Alabama just managed a single field goal, while Indiana had two more touchdowns from RB’s Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black, making the final score 38-3.
After the game, broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit chose OL Pat Coogan to win the Rose Bowl MVP, the first by an offensive lineman since 1944. Rather than be disappointed by not winning the award himself, even though he had an outstanding game Mendoza was jubilantly celebrating his teammate, a display of his selflessness and the brotherhood amongst the Hoosier group. The team knew not to celebrate too hard though, as they had two more games left to go, and a rematch awaited them with the Oregon Ducks in the semifinal.
Entering the game, many experts predicted Oregon had the best chance to knock off Indiana, especially after Ohio State and Georgia had both lost in the previous round. A rematch of the game in October in Eugene, this time the game would be played on neutral ground. Coming into the match, Oregon had destroyed James Madison in the first round, and shutout fourth-seeded Texas Tech in the quarterfinal.
Oregon received the ball first, looking to take the lead against an Indiana squad that had rarely trailed all season long. Ducks QB Dante Moore took the field, and delivered his opening pass – a quick out route to the left side. CB D’Angelo Ponds was another player who followed Cignetti to Indiana, and was a star defender for the team. He read the throw instantly, jumping the route and taking it to the house to give Indiana a jumpstart 7-0 lead. Indiana couldn’t celebrate too long though, as Moore bounced back and delivered a big throw to tie the game.
When Mendoza finally got the ball, he did not disappoint for IU. Leading the team all the way down the field, and connecting with WR Omar Cooper Jr. for an answer before the close of the first quarter. Indiana’s defense stood stout, causing an Oregon punt and fumble, which the offense capitalized on with a Kaelon Black rushing touchdown. Another punt for Oregon, a Charlie Becker touchdown, a fumble for Oregon, and an Elijah Sarratt touchdown put Indiana in complete control with a 35-7 lead at halftime.
A touchdown pass to EJ Williams Jr. secured the victory for Indiana in the third quarter, and the Hoosiers came out with a dominant 56-22 victory. Five passing TD’s from Mendoza earned himself offensive MVP, and D’Angelo Ponds’ massive interception earned himself the defensive honors.
Unsurprisingly Fernando Mendoza was invited to the Heisman trophy ceremony in New York City, alongside Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia, Ohio State QB Julian Sayin, and Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love. Alongside his mom Elsa, his brother Alberto, his grandmother Alicia, and his coach Curt Cignetti, Mendoza was awarded the 2025 Heisman Trophy. In his speech, Mendoza cited the importance of faith and family in his life, and how he wants his resilience to inspire other underestimated kids in life.
Returning from his moment of glory, Mendoza had just one thing on his mind: A national championship. A surprise team awaited them there, the Miami Hurricanes. The Canes had upset Texas A&M in College Station, knocked off Ohio State, and Ole Miss to make the championship game. Miami was led by two-time champion QB Carson Beck, RB Mark Fletcher Jr., WR Malachi Toney, and a pair of star pass rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor.
The game started slow for both teams, with three straight punts opening the game. Mendoza was able to drive his team into field goal range, and Nico Radicic converted on a 34-yarder with 2:42 remaining in the 1st. Three punts later, and Mendoza had yet again driven IU down the field inside the five. A pair of runs by Kaelon Black set up the ball at the one, and TE Riley Nowakowski rushed it in from a fullback position for the opening touchdown of the game, and Indiana led 10-0 at the half.
After receiving the ball to start the third quarter, Indiana was forced to punt. Trailing by ten, Miami needed a big moment, and they got it. RB Mark Fletcher Jr. burst through the hole for a 57-yard touchdown, and all of a sudden, it was a competitive ballgame. Indiana’s offense had stalled. Three punts in the third quarter, but at least their defense was holding strong. Miami was due to give the Hoosiers the ball back with another punt. Dylan Joyce received the snap, but right in front of him stood Mikail Kamara, bursting through the line and blocking the punt. Isaiah Jones was there, recovered and found himself in the end zone, a big momentum shift and exactly what Indiana needed.
Miami needed to bounce back, and Carson Beck made sure of that. He hit Malachi Toney for a big reception that put the Canes inside the red zone. From there, Mark Fletcher Jr. did the rest, pounding it in for a touchdown and it was a three point ballgame. Mendoza gets the ball back at the start of the fourth quarter, and hands it off to Kaelon Black for a pair of big runs. Then, he connects with Omar Cooper Jr. on an 18-yard gain to set up the Hoosiers in Miami territory.
Miami’s defense stood tall though, forcing Indiana into a fourth and five on the 37. Cignetti made one of the biggest decisions of his life, and kept the offense on the field. Mendoza dropped back, looked right, defender in his face and through a back shoulder ball. It flew through the air, and Charlie Becker came down with it, to put Indiana inside the 20. From there, Indiana stalled again. Another fourth and five, and Cignetti yet again keeps the offense on the field.
Mendoza dropped back to pass, but he stepped up in the pocket. He takes off running, weaving through defenders until he makes it to the first down marker. He keeps going, spinning through and breaking a would-be tackler, and diving for the goal line…touchdown. Indiana increases the lead. ESPN’s Chris Fowler said it best “What an individual effort!…That’s why he won the Heisman Trophy!”
Indiana led 24-14 with nine minutes to play, but Carson Beck refused to let the game get out of hand. He hit WR Malachi Toney over the middle for a gain of 40, and then connected with Toney again for a touchdown, and the game was within three yet again. Six and a half minutes to play, and a touchdown would all but secure a title. A long sustained drive ran down the clock, and Indiana again found themselves in a fourth down in Miami territory. This time Cignetti went conservatively, handing the ball to Nico Radicic who converted, making it 27-21.
Carson Beck had 1:42 left in his college career to try and bring Miami a title. The kickoff goes for a touchback, and the drive will start at the 25. It immediately goes horrible for Miami, as a delay of game and an incompletion sets up second and fifteen, with time ticking down. Fortunately, Indiana breathes Miami new life with a roughing the passer penalty going for fifteen yards. Beck took the opportunity, and hit CharMar Brown for eleven yards, Malachi Toney for seven, and CJ Daniels for six and Miami was across midfield with 52 seconds to play.
“Here’s the snap, Beck looks, throws it down the field…and it’s intercepted by Indiana!”. The Indiana side exploded in cheers, because the finish was inevitable. Mendoza trotted out for two more kneel downs. The impossible had just happened. The Hoosiers were champions.