On Monday night, the 22 of January, the Indiana Hoosiers made history by being the losingest team in college football history to winning the National Championship. The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Miami Hurricanes, 27-21, in a late-game thriller. Miami’s Carson Beck threw the game sealing interception to Indiana’s Jamari Sharpe.

Just three years ago, Indiana was a laughing stock in college football. They went 3-9 in 2023. Later that year, the Hoosiers hired James Madison University coach, Curt Cignetti. Nobody thought much of this hire at first because, just two years prior, Cignetti was coaching at the Division II level. In 2024, Indiana’s first season under Cignetti, he led them to the 12 team college football playoff. Unfortunately, they lost in the first round to Notre Dame. Little did anyone know Indiana would be back for vengeance.

Indiana’s success started when they picked up California transfer quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza shined in his first year as the Hoosiers quarterback by being the only player in program history to win the Heisman trophy.

“Fernando has been special to watch this year. Indiana was an awful team just two years ago and he led them to win the national championship. I think his leadership and talent will make him an outstanding NFL quarterback,” says senior Alexander Griffin.

With Indiana’s National Championship win this year, many wonder if they will be the next college football dynasty. Some seem to think so with Curt Cignetti as their coach.