When Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti introduced himself to Hoosier fans with a 31-7 season opening win over Florida International University in 2024, it marked the start of a historic campaign.
Indiana is currently ranked No. 20 in the Associated Press’ top 25 preseason poll. This marks just the fourth time in program history the Hoosiers are ranked in this preseason poll.
Now facing higher expectations heading into Cignetti’s second year at the helm, the Hoosiers’ quest to build upon their 2024 successes begins against Old Dominion University. Kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m. Saturday on Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. The game will be televised on FS1.
The Monarchs struggled throughout the 2024 season on paper — finishing with a 5-7 overall record. However, they beat four teams that went onto play in a bowl game, including Bowling Green State University, Texas State University, Georgia Southern University and Arkansas State University.
Cignetti showered Old Dominion with praise in his press conference Monday.
“All but one of Old Dominion's losses last year were by one score or less,” Cignetti said. “Like I've told you in the past, they've beaten Virginia Tech twice in recent history, so we've got to be ready to go.”
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Colton Joseph shined through the air and ground game for the Monarchs in 2024. Last season, Joseph completed 59.9% of his passes for 1,627 yards and 11 touchdowns across eight starts.
Joseph also helped lead a formidable rushing offense that ranked 14th in the nation with 209.8 rushing yards per game. The Newport Beach, California, native rushed for 647 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns, which tied for fourth in the Sun Belt Conference.
With his freshman season under his belt and an experienced offensive line with four senior players, Joseph has an opportunity to step forward as the Monarchs’ signal caller in 2025.
The run-oriented Monarchs will put the Hoosiers’ run defense to the test.
During the offseason, Indiana lost key members of its defensive front and second level, including defensive linemen C.J. West and James Carpenter and linebacker Jailin Walker. The Hoosiers held opponents to 80.2 rushing yards per game in 2024 — the fewest in the nation.
With West making the San Francisco 49ers 53-man roster, and Carpenter and Walker now competing for practice squad spots in the NFL, returning players — such as redshirt junior defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker and sophomore linebacker Rolijah Hardy — will be forced to step into a greater role to slow down the Monarchs’ rushing attack.
Senior linebacker Aiden Fisher spoke highly of Hardy.
“Once we got into the season and gameplans, he just kind of erupted,” Fisher said during media availability on July 31. “Everything that he did, he was always in the right spot, always found the ball. Everything he was doing was right. Athletically, he's as gifted as anybody.”
On the offensive side of the ball, redshirt junior quarterback Fernando Mendoza is set to take his first snap as the Indiana signal caller. In 2024, Mendoza collected 3,004 passing yards and 16 passing touchdowns across 11 starts for the University of California, Berkeley.
Saturday also provides Hoosier fans with a chance to watch Mendoza connect with senior wide receiver Elijah Sarratt, who leads the nation with 38-straight games with a reception.
While Mendoza has built a resume for himself as a passer, Saturday’s matchup grants him a chance to establish his presence in the locker room.
“Our focus has always been on developing him, making him the best he can be, because you lead through your actions,” Cignetti said on Mendoza. “There's nothing like positive performance to establish yourself as a leader.”
The Old Dominion defense surrendered 410.4 yards per game in 2024 — the 32nd most in the nation, giving Mendoza a prime opportunity to emerge as a leader Saturday.
Indiana players and coaches have stressed the importance of urgency leading up to game day — setting the tone that the Hoosiers are expected to play with.
“You're establishing the habits that they're going to carry you through the season: installing, developing players, learning about your team,” Cignetti said. “Now it's time to go to war. It's serious business now.”
Follow reporters Conor Banks and Dalton James (@DaltonMJames) and columnist Quinn Richards (@Quinn_richa) for updates throughout the Indiana football season.
