The Indiana Hoosiers have stunned the college football world in 2025. Under head coach Curt Cignetti, they’ve pulled off an undefeated season, grabbed the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, and won their first Big Ten title since 1967.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza picked up the Heisman Trophy, and Cignetti was named Coach of the Year. Indiana is gearing up for what’s next, waiting to see who wins between No. 8 Oklahoma and No. 9 Alabama.
Behind the scenes, the Hoosiers are making moves to lock in their coaching staff for the future. It’s not just about the players on the field—there’s a lot happening off it too.
Indiana’s Remarkable Season
The 2025 season has been wild for Indiana. They clinched the No. 1 seed in the Playoff after a nail-biter win over then-No. 1 Ohio State in the Big Ten title game.
That victory didn’t just put them in the playoff; it also snapped a Big Ten championship drought that stretched back to 1967. That’s a long wait, honestly.
Key Players and Achievements
Some players and coaches have really stood out this year:
- Fernando Mendoza: The quarterback who took home the Heisman.
- Curt Cignetti: The head coach who picked up Coach of the Year.
Cignetti’s leadership has pushed the Hoosiers to new heights. In 2025, the team scored 71 touchdowns and put up 545 total points—both new program records, breaking marks set just last year.
Securing the Coaching Staff
As Indiana preps for the next round of the College Football Playoff, Cignetti’s been busy making sure his coaching staff sticks around. Earlier this offseason, defensive coordinator Bryant Haines signed a big new contract.
Now, offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan is locked in for three more years. That’s a huge deal for the team’s continuity.
Mike Shanahan’s Impact
Shanahan’s been working with Cignetti since 2016. He started as a wide receivers coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, then took over as offensive coordinator with Cignetti at James Madison in 2021.
He’s known for getting the best out of his players—and for just being an easy guy to work with. Cignetti put it simply last week: *One of Mike’s strengths is he draws on everybody.*
He added, *Mike’s demeanor is such, he’s such a likable guy. He doesn’t really have an ego. He does a great job coaching receivers. Has done a great job as coordinator.* Gotta admit, that kind of praise isn’t thrown around lightly.
Looking Ahead
With the staff locked in and the team running hot, Indiana is set for a serious run in the College Football Playoff. They’re just waiting to see who comes out on top between Oklahoma and Alabama to find out who’s next.
Strategic Moves for Sustained Success
Cignetti and athletic director Scott Dolson aren’t wasting time. They’ve moved quickly to tie down both coordinators after snagging the top seed in the playoff.
It’s a smart play, really. Keeping this coaching group together gives Indiana the stability and experience they’ll need for the playoff—and whatever comes after.
Conclusion
The Indiana Hoosiers’ 2025 season has really shown what strong leadership and a clear plan can do. They’ve pulled off a perfect season, snagged the Big Ten title, and landed a No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
It’s not just about this year, either. You get the feeling they’re building something that could last, and honestly, it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement. Fans have every reason to look forward to what’s next.
If you want more on how the Hoosiers are gearing up for the College Football Playoff, check out this article.
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