Indiana University’s football program just snagged its first national title, but the celebration has been a bit muted. Freshman wide receiver Ace Ciongoli has decided to enter the transfer portal.
This twist comes right after Indiana’s wild win over Miami. The Hoosiers clinched the championship 27-21 in a game that kept fans on edge.
Head Coach Curt Cignetti has led the team to a 27-2 record over the last two seasons. Now, he’s got to figure out how to keep Indiana rolling while key players leave.
Indiana’s Historic National Title Win
Indiana’s victory in the national championship really changed everything for the program. The Hoosiers edged out Miami 27-21 in a tense showdown.
The turning point? Jamari Sharpe picked off Miami quarterback Carson Beck’s long pass, locking up the win for Indiana.
Key Players and Their Impact
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was at the heart of Indiana’s run. He took home the Heisman Trophy and looks like the top pick for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza’s leadership powered the Hoosiers to their first-ever title. But the team won’t have him—or Ciongoli—next season.
Ciongoli, who didn’t see much action as a true freshman, wants more playing time and is looking elsewhere. Can’t really blame him for wanting a bigger role, right?
The Rise of Curt Cignetti
Curt Cignetti has turned Indiana’s football program upside down in the best way. Since he arrived two seasons ago, the Hoosiers have gone from three wins in 2023 to national champs in 2026.
He’s racked up a 27-2 record, which is honestly wild for a program that was struggling not long ago.
Building a Championship Team
Cignetti knows how to spot talent and help it grow. The 2025 recruiting class, including Ciongoli, played a big part in Indiana’s turnaround.
Even with Ciongoli leaving, Cignetti’s recruiting groundwork still feels solid. The championship win over Miami really showed off the team’s grit, especially when Sharpe snagged that game-saving interception.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Indiana’s celebrating, but there’s work ahead. With Mendoza and Ciongoli gone, Cignetti and his staff have to find and develop new standouts to keep the Hoosiers in the hunt.
The Transfer Portal and Its Impact
The transfer portal has changed college football in a big way. For players like Ciongoli, it’s a shot at more time on the field and a fresh start.
Sure, Indiana will miss what Ciongoli could’ve become, but the portal swings both ways—it could bring in new faces to fill those gaps. Cignetti’s shown he can roll with the punches, and honestly, there’s good reason to think Indiana will keep trending up as long as he’s at the helm.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Indiana Football
Indiana’s first national title marks a milestone that’ll stick in fans’ memories for years. The program’s rapid climb under Curt Cignetti really shows what strong leadership and smart planning can do.
Losing players like Ace Ciongoli definitely brings some challenges. But honestly, it also cracks the door open for new talent to step up and for the whole team to keep evolving.
The Hoosiers are gearing up for the 2026 season. They’ll focus on building off their recent success and pushing for even more.
Cignetti and his staff have laid a solid foundation. Indiana looks ready to stay a real force in college football for a long time—at least, that’s how it feels right now.
For more information on Indiana’s recent developments, visit Athlon Sports.
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