The Indiana Hoosiers are heading into the 2025 football season with high expectations, fueled by a remarkable turnaround in 2024 under head coach Curt Cignetti. Cignetti, who was named head coach in November 2023, guided Indiana to an 11-2 record and a College Football Playoff appearance in his first season. This success has significantly impacted recruiting, helping the Hoosiers attract key players like quarterback Fernando Mendoza via the transfer portal.
Mendoza, a transfer from Cal, is expected to take over as the starting quarterback, replacing Kurtis Rourke. Cignetti has openly discussed the differences Mendoza brings to the offense, particularly his mobility. While Rourke was primarily a pocket passer, Mendoza offers the ability to move around and make plays with his legs. Cignetti noted that Rourke moved only 0.25% of the time last year, while Mendoza will add a new dimension to the running game. Cignetti has said that with Mendoza, “you’re going to get some of it without even calling it.” He also said that Mendoza is a “big guy, he’s got good movement. Quick release, can make all the throws. He’s accurate also and throws the ball on the run really well.”
Mendoza's stats from Cal speak for themselves. In 2024, he completed 68.7% of his passes for 3,004 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also added 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground. This dual-threat ability is something Cignetti plans to utilize to keep defenses guessing. The Indiana offense will also benefit from Mendoza's experience. He started 19 games for the Golden Bears, accumulating 4,712 passing yards and 30 touchdowns in those contests.
Cignetti’s coaching history demonstrates his knack for developing quarterbacks. Before arriving at Indiana, he had a 19-4 record in two years at James Madison. At James Madison, Cignetti had four different quarterbacks in five seasons, all of whom went on to win Player of the Year awards. Last year, Ohio transfer Kurtis Rourke threw for 3,029 yards and 29 touchdowns in his one season with the Hoosiers. Cignetti's ability to get the most out of his quarterbacks is a major reason why Mendoza chose Indiana.
The addition of Jonathan Brady, a wide receiver transferring from Cal, should further ease Mendoza's transition. Brady had 36 receptions for 386 yards and three touchdowns for the Golden Bears last season, and his existing chemistry with Mendoza could provide an immediate boost to the Indiana passing game. Beyond Brady, Mendoza will have five receivers with at least 46 career FBS catches and 772 career yards.
The Hoosiers' success in 2024 has raised expectations, and Cignetti acknowledges the importance of sustaining that momentum. The 2025 schedule includes seven home games and five road games. The season kicks off on August 30th against Old Dominion. Key matchups include games against Iowa, Oregon, Michigan State, Penn State, and Purdue.
Looking ahead, there's already buzz about Mendoza's potential in the 2026 NFL Draft. Several analysts have projected him as a first-round pick, citing his size, mobility, and arm strength. While Cignetti has cautioned that his transfer quarterbacks tend to struggle initially, he was pleased with Mendoza's progress during spring practice.
While the loss of key players from last season, such as running backs Ty Son Lawton and Solomon Vanhorse, and wide receivers Andison Coby and Myles Price will present challenges, Cignetti has been active in the transfer portal to address these gaps. The arrival of players like Mendoza and Pat Coogan are expected to help the Hoosiers maintain a high level of performance.
Cignetti's impact on the Indiana program has been undeniable. In addition to on-field success, he has instilled a winning culture and attracted top talent. The Hoosiers' remarkable turnaround in 2024 has captured the attention of the college football world, and they are poised to be a contender in the Big Ten in 2025.
