2025 Season Recap: Undefeated Dominance
The Hoosiers started the season with convincing non-conference victories, shutting out Indiana State 73-0 and crushing Kennesaw State 56-9. They carried this momentum into Big Ten play, defeating Illinois 63-10 and Iowa 20-15 on the road.
Key highlights included a 30-20 upset at No. 3 Oregon, a 56-6 rout of UCLA on homecoming, and a 27-24 thriller at Penn State. The regular season capped with a 56-3 demolition of rival Purdue, securing their perfect 13-0 mark before the championship triumph.
Under head coach Curt Cignetti, IU's defense and offense clicked seamlessly, allowing few points while piling up points in blowouts. This performance earned them the No. 1 seed in the Big Ten and a playoff berth.
Key Players and Coaching Staff
Quarterback Grant Wilson (R-Sr., 6'3", 220 lbs) has been instrumental, supported by backups like Fernando Mendoza and Alberto Mendoza. Running back Kaelon Black (R-Sr., 5'10", 211 lbs) anchors the ground game, while wide receivers Omar Cooper Jr. and Ace Ciongoli provide explosive threats.
The defense features standouts like Stephen Daley (DL, Sr.), Kaiden Turner (LB, R-Jr.), and Jamari Sharpe (DB, R-Jr.). Tight end Holden Staes and freshman talents like Jaylen Bell add depth. Coordinators Bryant Haines (defense), Mike Shanahan (offense), and Grant Cain (special teams) have executed flawlessly.
This talented roster, blending veterans and rising stars from across the U.S., has fueled IU's surprising rise from underdogs to national contenders.
Rose Bowl Preview and Playoff Impact
Facing Alabama in the Rose Bowl Quarterfinal, IU enters as a 7-point favorite with a total points line of 48.5. The January 1 game, airing on ESPN, pits the Hoosiers' undefeated streak against the Crimson Tide's storied playoff pedigree.
A win would propel IU to the semifinals, potentially against powerhouses like Georgia or Texas. This matchup underscores the Hoosiers' transformation into a global football sensation, drawing massive attention on New Year's Day.
Tickets are available starting at $70, with fans worldwide tuning in. IU's success signals a new era for Big Ten football beyond traditional powers like Ohio State and Michigan.