Latest news with #IndianaHoosiers
New York Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Curt Cignetti, Indiana undaunted after offseason spent as a CFP talking point
LAS VEGAS — Curt Cignetti's Indiana Hoosiers won a school-record 11 games and qualified for the College Football Playoff in 2024, yet critics hammered them as undeserving of their CFP selection because they played what was perceived as a weak schedule within one of college football's toughest conferences. Advertisement Instead of absorbing the body blows and ignoring the rhetoric at Big Ten media days on Tuesday, Cignetti trumpeted his team's 2024 accolades and, in the process, became his league's staunchest defender. Cignetti brought the receipts and dished plenty of bravado. And the second-year Indiana coach offered no apologies for his success. 'We played who we played,' Cignetti said. 'We had the No. 1 victory margin in college football, with No. 2 in points scored, No. 3 in total defense, No. 3 in turnover ratio. So we did it in dominant fashion.' Those numbers seemed to pass anyone's eye test, despite the conversation entering the CFP and immediately following the Hoosiers' first-round CFP exit at Notre Dame. Ten of Indiana's 11 victories came by a margin of at least 14 points. It beat both 2024 CFP finalists (Michigan and Washington), and its only losses came at 2025 CFP finalists Ohio State and Notre Dame. Indiana also beat Nebraska 56-7, and the Huskers' 18-point win over Colorado, which was part of the Big 12's four-way tie for first, should have provided a transitive property boost to its resume. Instead, the Hoosiers found the public backlash that non-bluebloods often face when they approach the sport's highest levels. 'The noise got real, real loud going into the Ohio State game,' Cignetti recalled. 'We went from being the darling story of college football to being like the enemy, the hunted. Like these two fronts, the biggest college reporting venue in the world, and a big conference down south, you're getting it from both sides. Like, 'They better play good or they're out.' But then a couple SEC teams lost that night.' If Cignetti was surprised about the criticism, he didn't let it bother him. In fact, it seems to have emboldened him. Instead of ramping up the Hoosiers' nonconference scheduling, Cignetti chose to downgrade it, canceling a home-and-home series with Virginia that was set for 2027-28. Advertisement 'We figured we would just adopt SEC scheduling philosophy,' Cignetti said. 'Some people don't like it. I'm more focused in on those nine conference games.' This season, 13 of the Big Ten's 18 schools will play at least 10 power-conference opponents. In the SEC, 13 of 16 teams will play only nine power-conference foes. The decision was a power play of sorts for Indiana, which desires to face an SEC opponent every year — when a new CFP format is in place. 'We really want to have meaningful regular-season games,' Indiana athletic director Scott Dolson said. 'We're trying to schedule now based on the format that we're playing.' That philosophy is not without detractors, even from within his conference. Purdue coach Barry Odom told an Indianapolis radio station last week that 'I could take the approach of one of the other schools in the state, cancel games and do some of those things, but the schedule is what it is.' On Tuesday, Cignetti said, 'I saw it. It was a flicker in my brain, and it was over.' When asked about the challenges of playing on the West Coast, Cignetti quipped, 'It didn't affect us against UCLA.' The Hoosiers beat the Bruins 42-13 last year. Cignetti's unvarnished confidence has resonated at Indiana, historically the Big Ten's least successful football program. The Hoosiers never won more than nine games in a season before last year, and now they're selling out Memorial Stadium. Cignetti's 'I win, Google me' line during his inaugural news conference became a program flex. Last year's results led to enthusiastic buy-in in Bloomington. 'He instills confidence in his players and his coaches and certainly our fan base and everyone who's around him,' Dolson said. 'But the good thing is, he's very authentic. He is not what I would call a cocky person at all. I think he just believes in his plan and believes he knows how to win and how to develop young men on and off the field. Advertisement 'When you really get to know him, and you see just how authentic he is and how he really is doing these things for the right reasons, it makes it easy to not let any of the, maybe, outside noise and the bravado — it's just not fake. He just really believes in what he's doing.' That confidence has spilled over to Cignetti's program pillars of recruitment, development and retention. Through strong donations to its name, image and likeness efforts, Indiana retained every key player and acquired several likely contributors, including starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Cal. With four players returning who earned All-Big Ten accolades along with several other starters, Cignetti has his eyes on repeating or, perhaps, topping his 2024 success. And his goals reflect his swagger. 'This is a new year, a new team, right?' Cignetti said. 'We're trying to build a program that year-in, year-out, competes for Big Ten championships, College Football Playoff and ultimately the national championship. That's our vision.'
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Playoff team? Doesn't matter. Big Ten media poll still doubting Curt Cignetti's Hoosiers
The Indiana Hoosiers are coming off their best season in program history under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti, finishing 11-2 and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. Expectations remain high heading into 2025 — but not everyone is convinced they can do it again. Take Stephen Means, who compiled the outlet's annual Big Ten preseason media poll. Each voter ranked teams from 1 to 18, with first-place votes worth 18 points, second worth 17, and so on. Advertisement Despite last year's success, the Hoosiers landed at No. 6 in the poll — surprisingly behind both Michigan and Illinois. They earned 305 points and an average rank of 6.80. For a team coming off a Playoff appearance, that feels low. Michigan being ranked ahead of them? Fair enough. The Wolverines won a national title two years ago and just landed Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall recruit in the country. But Illinois jumping them? That one's harder to justify. Indiana's roster looks stronger than it did a year ago. Cignetti brought in Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza to replace Kurtis Rourke at quarterback and added Maryland running back Roman Hemby to pair with Kaelon Black in the backfield. Advertisement 📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp Up front, the offense got a boost with Notre Dame transfer and former four-star Pat Coogan stepping in at center. For a group that already looked explosive last season, this unit could take another step forward. Defensively, Indiana returns a stacked group headlined by pass rusher Mikail Kamara, linebacker Aiden Fisher, cornerback D'Angelo Ponds, safety Amare Ferrell, and Jamari Sharpe. All five could be early-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Yes, Illinois has a soft schedule — similar to what Indiana had last year — and returns one of the highest percentages of production in the Big Ten. But in today's college football world, where the transfer portal and NIL dominate roster building, that doesn't carry as much weight. Advertisement Illinois also lost their top two receivers in Pat Bryant and Zakari Franklin to the NFL and added just one marquee name in four-star defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. Meanwhile, Indiana returns most of its core — and could realistically field one of the best offenses in the country. Cignetti should have the edge early as Bielema and his team still have plenty to prove. Indiana has the talent, depth, and momentum to build off last year's breakthrough — and if the Hoosiers keep trending up, the rest of the Big Ten won't be able to ignore them much longer.
Fox Sports
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
'Hoosier the Bison' is Back! Indiana Announces Mascot's Return For Season Opener
He wasn't on the field, but "Hoosier the Bison" remained in the hearts of Indiana Hoosiers fans for generations. And now, he's back. Indiana announced on Tuesday that Hoosier the Bison will return as the school's official mascot. Hoosier will be back for the 2025-26 academic season. with his first appearance coming in Indiana's' 2025 college football season opener against Old Dominion on Aug. 30. In December 2024, the Indiana University Student Body Congress passed the "Bring Back the Bison Act." A Bison has historically been a state symbol for Indiana, with Hoosier the Bison debuting in 1966 but then being asked to leave after 1969. Hoosier the Bison is returning to Bloomington at a time when Indiana sports are on the upswing. On the gridiron, the Hoosiers are coming off an 11-2 season highlighted by the program's first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff in Curt Cignetti's first year as head coach. Meanwhile, the women's college basketball team has made the NCAA Tournament in each of the past five seasons, and the men's college basketball team has a new head coach in former West Virginia head coach Darian DeVries. As Hoosier the Bison looks to stick this time around, the first matter to keep an eye on is how he's greeted by the Indiana home crowd after a rocky departure in 1969. And as the college football season progresses, will he stir it up with other Big Ten mascots like The Oregon Duck, Bucky Badger and Sparty? Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience College Football Big Ten Indiana Hoosiers recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the College Football Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Indiana outfielder makes program history with high MLB Draft selection
The Indiana Hoosiers are officially on the board in the 2025 MLB Draft — and it's one of the biggest stars in program history who heard his name called. Outfielder Devin Taylor was selected by the Oakland Athletics with the No. 48 overall pick in the second round late Sunday night. He became the highest-drafted outfielder in program history and the top selection of the Jeff Mercer era, which began in 2019. Advertisement Over the past few months, Taylor had shown up across a wide range of mock drafts. Some projected him as a potential mid-to-late first-rounder, but he slipped a bit on draft night before finally landing with the A's at 48. His college career was nothing short of impressive. Taylor was a unanimous All-American in 2025 and picked up eight total All-American honors during his three seasons in Bloomington. He was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2023 — one of just four in program history — and helped lead Indiana to 108 wins, three Big Ten Tournament appearances, and two NCAA Tournament berths. But Taylor didn't just produce — he stood out. Advertisement Taylor put together one of the best offensive seasons in the country in 2025, hitting .374 with 18 home runs and nearly twice as many walks as strikeouts. That kind of plate discipline is tough to teach — and it stood out to scouts all spring. With quick hands, raw power, and a mature approach in the box, he became one of the more talked-about hitters in this year's draft class. 📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp His selection gives Indiana another strong presence in the early rounds and adds to the growing list of players who've gone pro under head coach Jeff Mercer. Taylor was one of the most reliable bats in college baseball over the last few seasons and kept improving each year. Scouts are drawn to his clean left-handed swing and ability to stay within himself at the plate. He's shown he can hit for both average and power, and he doesn't chase much — all signs that point to a player who could carve out a long-term role as an everyday outfielder. Advertisement For the A's, he fills a real need. Only two outfielders currently rank among their top 10 prospects, so bringing in a polished college bat like Taylor adds immediate depth to the system and fits the timeline of a team still working through its rebuild. For Oakland, it's another advanced college bat with upside. And for Indiana, Taylor's rise is another example of a program continuing to develop high-level talent and stay nationally relevant.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nation's No. 1 Recruit Has Fiery Reaction to 4-Star EDGE Committing to Indiana
Nation's No. 1 Recruit Has Fiery Reaction to 4-Star EDGE Committing to Indiana originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In one of the more surprising developments, the Indiana Hoosiers went from historically irrelevant to a College Football Playoff team this past season. Advertisement Led by new head coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers posted an 11-2 record, securing more wins in his first season than the program had in the previous three seasons combined (9). Unsurprisingly, a historic season and trip to the College Football Playoff bodes quite well in recruiting. When it comes to their 2026 class, the Hoosiers have the No. 26 class in the country, and on Saturday, landed their fourth four-star commitment from EDGE, Ronelle Johnson. The Missouri native ranks as the No. 296 player in the country, according to On3, and chose Indiana over programs such as Missouri, Kansas State and Arkansas. While plenty of Hoosiers fans were thrilled, Johnson also got a shoutout from fellow Missourian and the No. 1 overall recruit in the country, Jackson Cantwell. Advertisement The five-star Miami offensive tackle commit took to the comment section to show his support. "🔥 🔥🔥," wrote Cantwell. Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Cantwell headlines a Miami class that ranks as the No. 10 class in the country, and is reportedly making $2 million per year. While Missouri isn't known for being a talent hotbed for recruiting, there are six recruits that hail from the "Show-Me State" who are ranked as four or five-star recruits in this class. Of those six, only one is committed to Missouri, which shows just how hard programs from around the country are coming for recruits like Cantwell or Johnson. Needless to say, the Hoosiers got a good one. Advertisement Related: Son of Texas Legend Throws Longhorns Hat on Ground Before Committing to Notre Dame This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
