BY: KENNY VARNER

Indiana Hoosiers 2025 Season Preview: Can They Do It Again?

The Indiana Hoosiers will be one of the most fascinating teams to follow this season. Curt Cignetti led the Hoosiers to an 11-1 regular season and a College Football Playoff appearance in his first year at the helm. Say what you want about the schedule, but the fact remains that only two teams managed to stay within 14 points of Indiana during their 9-0 start. So what does Cignetti have in store for Year 2 in Bloomington? One thing is certain—Cignetti is a proven winner, as he showed at James Madison, and he has a blueprint that can keep Indiana competitive at the highest level.

Replacing standout quarterback Kurtis Rourke—who threw for 3,042 yards with a stellar 29–5 TD-to-INT ratio while completing 69.4% of his passes—won’t be easy. However, Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza is more than capable of keeping this offense rolling. Mendoza passed for 3,004 yards with 16 touchdowns and only six interceptions last year, all while playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in the country. Now, with a significant upgrade in talent around him, Mendoza’s potential is through the roof.

Indiana’s offensive line was dominant last year, and it might be even better this season. Both guards return—Drew Evans and Bray Lynch—while Carter Smith is back to anchor the left tackle position. Zen Michalski (Ohio State) steps in at right tackle, and Pat Coogan (Notre Dame) will solidify the center spot, turning it into a position of strength. This unit has the look of a top-tier Big Ten offensive line.

Although leading rusher Justice Ellison (848 yards, 5.3 yards per carry, 10 TDs) is gone, the backfield remains deep and talented. Kaelon Black will be asked to step up, and two experienced transfers join the mix. Lee Beebe (UAB) comes in after rushing for 885 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 30 receptions for 219 yards and a score. Roman Hemby (Maryland) brings even more experience, having tallied 2,347 rushing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 111 receptions over his three-year career with the Terps.

At receiver, Elijah Sarratt returns as the No. 1 option after posting 53 catches for 957 yards and eight touchdowns. Omar Cooper is back as a big-play threat, having averaged 21.2 yards per catch for 594 yards and seven touchdowns. Cal transfer Jonathan Brady joins the fold and already has chemistry with Mendoza, making him a potential breakout player.

Defensively, Indiana was elite in 2024, ranking No. 1 in the country against the run, No. 2 in total defense (256 yards per game), and No. 6 in scoring defense (15.6 points per game). The unit only got better as the season progressed, and it looks poised to continue its dominance.

The Hoosiers hit the transfer portal to reload along the defensive line. Hosea Wheeler (Western Kentucky) brings elite quickness at tackle, while Stephen Daly (Kent State) adds toughness after amassing 99 tackles and five sacks over two seasons. Kelan Wyatt (Maryland) provides veteran pass-rushing experience, and Mikail Kamara returns as one of the Big Ten’s best edge defenders after recording 15 tackles for loss and 10 sacks last season.

The linebacker corps is anchored by Aidan Fisher, who starred with 118 tackles. Rolijah Hardy will hold down the middle, bringing physicality and leadership. In the secondary, D’Angelo Ponds is a true lockdown corner, while Jamari gets his opportunity to start on the other side. At safety, Amare Ferrell returns after notching four interceptions a year ago, and Louis Moore rejoins the team after a season at Ole Miss. Devan Boykin (NC State), a fifth-year senior, brings experience and depth to the group.

Indiana rightfully earned its playoff spot last season. Like Illinois, the Hoosiers had a breakthrough year but lacked a true signature win. The 2025 schedule brings more challenges, particularly in Big Ten play. Indiana has the softest non-conference slate in the country, facing Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, and FCS bottom-dweller Indiana State.

However, the Hoosiers will be tested early in conference play. They open Big Ten action by hosting a loaded Illinois team with 16 returning starters and a top-20 ranking, followed by a tough road trip to Iowa. Then they’ll get two weeks to prepare for a massive showdown at national powerhouse Oregon. A late-season trip to Happy Valley to face Penn State looms large as well.

Make no mistake—Indiana is a top-25 team. The quarterback position should not miss a beat, and this team will be among the most disciplined in the country. If the Hoosiers can win a couple of those toss-up games, a 10-win season is well within reach. A wide range of outcomes—from seven to ten wins—makes Indiana one of the most intriguing teams heading into the 2025 season.