At a Glance
- Indiana Hoosiers clinched the College Football National Championship with a 27-21 victory over Miami.
- Head coach Curt Cignetti’s 16-0 season turned a historically losing program into champions.
- Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza delivered a game-defining run that sealed the win.
- Why it matters: The triumph showcases how strategic recruiting, NIL deals, and a culture shift can reverse a program’s fortunes.
The 2024 season began with the Indiana Hoosiers carrying the most total losses in college football history. With only three bowl victories in 120 seasons-none since 1991-the program was seen by many as a perennial underachiever.
Historic Season
The Hoosiers finished the regular season 16-0, a record that stunned analysts and fans alike. Coach Curt Cignetti, known for his stern demeanor, credited a culture overhaul and targeted transfers for the turnaround. He lured 13 players from his former school at James Madison and added star quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who had already earned the Heisman Trophy earlier in the year.
Transfer Strategy
- 13 transfers from James Madison
- Nick Marsh (wide receiver, former Michigan State)
- Joe Brunner (offensive lineman, former Wisconsin)
- Josh Hoover (future starter, former TCU quarterback, 3,472 yards, 29 touchdowns last season)
On3’s Team Transfer Portal Index ranked Indiana No. 1 for the upcoming season, signaling that the success of 2024 may not be a fluke.
The Game That Changed Everything
On Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium, the Hoosiers faced the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football National Championship. The game’s final score was 27-21.
Mendoza finished 16 of 27 passes for 186 yards, but the play that captured headlines came late in the fourth quarter. With the Hoosiers trailing 17-14 and just over nine minutes left, they faced fourth-and-four on Miami’s 12-yard line. Cignetti chose to go for it instead of kicking a field goal.
Mendoza’s run:
- Hiked the ball, tucked it, and ran
- Juked multiple defenders
- Bounced off tacklers
- Hurdled into the end zone after a brutal hit
“Fernando, I know he’s great in interviews and comes off as the All-American guy, but he has the heart of a lion when it comes to competition,” Cignetti said. “That guy competes like a warrior … Can’t say enough about his effort on that play and our team finding a way to get it done.”
Mendoza added, “It wasn’t the perfect coverage for it, but I trust my linemen and everybody in that entire offense. That entire team had a gritty performance today. And we were all putting our bodies on the line, so it was the least I could do for my brothers.”
Building the Future
Despite the championship, the program’s leadership is already planning for the next season. Mendoza is expected to announce his departure to the NFL, where he is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. In his place, former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover will take the reins.
The coaching staff has secured commitments from top transfers, and the NIL environment has attracted additional talent. Billionaire Mark Cuban of “Shark Tank” fame, an investor in the program, remarked to Ryan J. Thompson that the season has been “better than anybody can possibly imagine.” He added that as long as Coach Cignetti, Athletic Director Scott Dolson, and President Pam Whitten remain at the top, the program will stay strong.
Support and Investment
Indiana’s alumni base is the largest in the country, with more than 800,000 living Hoosiers. Many alumni have the financial capacity to support the program’s growth, reinforcing the belief that the team can sustain its success.
The NIL rules allow student athletes to earn money through sponsorships and endorsements. This has enabled Indiana to compete with larger programs for recruits and transfers by offering financial incentives.
Legacy and Reaction
The national championship has changed the perception of the Hoosiers. Don Fisher, the play-by-play voice of Indiana men’s basketball and football since 1973, said to Ryan J. Thompson:
“For me, it does, there’s no question,” he told Ryan J. Thompson. “I’ve been doing this for 53 years now and I’ve been a part of three national championship basketball teams and now I’ve got an unbeaten (football) champion. In football, nobody ever thought it could happen – and it has.”
The victory not only crowns the team but also validates the long-term strategy of rebuilding through culture, recruitment, and investment.
Key Takeaways
- The Hoosiers’ 16-0 season turned a historically losing program into champions.
- Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman-winning play secured the 27-21 victory.
- Strategic transfers and NIL deals have positioned Indiana for continued success.
- Alumni support and investment will help sustain the program’s momentum.
- The championship redefines Indiana’s place in college football history.
