The Indiana Hoosiers secured their first Big Ten title in over 50 years by defeating the No. 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes 13-10 in Indianapolis on December 2, 2023. Under the leadership of head coach Curt Cignetti, this victory marks a significant transformation for a program that had previously struggled, now regarded as a legitimate championship contender.
Cignetti, who took over as head coach in 2021, established high expectations from the outset. He aimed for immediate success, and in just 737 days, he transformed the Hoosiers from the Football Bowl Subdivision’s losingest program into the nation’s top seed heading into the playoffs. “I think we were a year late,” Cignetti joked during the trophy presentation, reflecting on the rapid progress made under his guidance.
The Hoosiers entered the game with an impressive 13-0 record, the only unbeaten team in major college football. Cignetti’s first season saw Indiana achieve a school record of 11 wins and their first playoff appearance, setting the stage for this year’s success. The victory over Ohio State not only ended their 30-year losing streak against the Buckeyes but also halted Ohio State’s impressive 16-game winning streak, the longest in the nation.
The Hoosiers have demonstrated resilience this season, overcoming doubts about their ability to replicate last year’s success. They have effectively dismantled their reputation as the FBS’s losingest program, now passing that title onto Northwestern. Indiana’s journey has included significant victories, including a win against No. 3 Oregon in October, where they ended the nation’s longest active regular-season and home winning streaks.
This championship run has been fueled by standout performances, particularly from quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza, who received the Big Ten’s top quarterback award, showcased his talent during the title game, throwing a decisive 17-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt and sealing the win with a 33-yard pass to Charlie Becker. Despite suffering an injury on the first play, Mendoza’s determination was clear as he stated, “Although I got hit, I never was going to stay down. I’d die for my brothers on that field.”
Cignetti’s bold coaching style has earned him accolades, including his second consecutive Big Ten Coach of the Year award. His leadership has not only inspired his players but has also raised expectations for college football programs across the country. With a record of 24-2 during his tenure, the Hoosiers have shown remarkable improvement, with their only losses coming against top-tier opponents last season.
As Indiana prepares for the playoffs, Cignetti and his team enter with one of the top five scoring offenses and defenses in the nation. Their strategic gameplay, characterized by physical dominance and effective control of the ball, has proven successful against formidable rivals.
The triumph in the Big Ten championship signifies a new era for Indiana football, a program historically overshadowed by its success in basketball and other sports. Linebacker Isaiah Jones expressed the significance of the victory, stating, “It means a lot, we played for each other. For any of the doubters out there, this was the final nail in the coffin.”
With the playoffs on the horizon, the Hoosiers are poised to continue their remarkable journey that began just two years ago. The confidence and belief instilled by Cignetti have transformed a struggling program into a formidable force on the college football landscape.
