Indiana enjoyed a program-defining season in 2024, earning a College Football Playoff bid while racking up a school-record 11 victories, including a program-best eight in Big Ten play.
While much of the personnel has changed for the 20th-ranked Hoosiers, coach Curt Cignetti still expects Indiana to keep moving forward, beginning with Saturday’s opener against Old Dominion in Bloomington, Ind.
“You’re establishing the habits that are going to carry you through the season. Installing, developing players and learning about your team,” Cignetti said. “Now it’s time to go to war. It’s serious business now.”
Indiana will look to new faces at many offensive skill positions, including quarterback, where Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza aims to build on a 2024 season in which he passed for 3,004 yards and 16 touchdowns while starting 11 games.
Transfers also figure to feature in the Hoosiers’ quest to replace running backs Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton.
Cignetti said this week that Roman Hemby (Maryland) and Lee Beebe Jr. (Alabama-Birmingham) will join Kaelon Black in splitting the carries against Old Dominion. While Black played under Cignetti at James Madison, Hemby brings the most seasoning.
Hemby started 38 of the 41 games in which he appeared during four seasons at Maryland. Although he logged just one 100-yard rushing game in 2024, Hemby has already shown his versatility to the Memorial Stadium faithful. He contributed a rushing and receiving TD during the Terrapins’ 42-28 road loss to the Hoosiers in September.
Indiana’s health appears to be encouraging on both sides of the ball.
“During camp, we did have some guys in and out defensively at times, and one offensive lineman missed a little time but is healthy now,” Cignetti said. “Overall, I’m pleased with where we’re at.”
Old Dominion finished 5-7 last season but narrowly lost at South Carolina in its 2024 season opener.
Cignetti emphasized to players the final score of that game, 23-19, as well as the importance of remaining motivated and prepared no matter the opponent.
“It’s all about us and our preparation, having the right mindset, and going out there and playing our brand of ball with a bunch of new faces,” Cignetti said.
Monarchs head coach Ricky Rahne has matched Xs and Os with Cignetti before when he was at James Madison, losing 37-3 in 2022 and 30-27 in 2023.
Old Dominion quarterback Colton Joseph was recently named to the Manning Award watch list. The versatile Joseph, who both passed and rushed for 11 touchdowns last season, is eager for the challenge ahead.
“Anytime you’re going to play a team that’s a Power Four team, that’s always a great opportunity to go and show what we can do and definitely put ODU on the map,” Joseph said.
Added Rahne: “Our guys want to play in these environments because this is what college football’s about. … When you’re a little kid in the backyard and you’re throwing or catching a game-winning touchdown pass, that’s the environment you imagine.”
