The Indiana Hoosiers football team has made history by completing their regular season with an impressive record of 12-0, a feat never before achieved in the program’s history. They capped off this remarkable season with a commanding 56-3 victory over their archrival, Purdue, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette on December 1, 2023. Under the leadership of head coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers have transformed from a struggling team into a dominant force in college football.
Cignetti, who took over the program in early 2023, acknowledges the skepticism surrounding the team’s potential. “This is something that a lot of people probably thought couldn’t happen,” he stated after the game. “It just goes to show you, when you have a commitment and a plan and you have the right people in place, anything’s possible.” This victory not only secured their place in the record books but also earned Indiana a spot in the Big Ten Championship game on December 6, 2023.
Prior to this season, Indiana had previously gone undefeated in 1945 with a record of 9-0-1, but this marks the first time they have finished the regular season unblemished. Cignetti emphasized the collective effort that led to this achievement, highlighting contributions from everyone involved, including IU President Pamela Whitten and athletic director Scott Dolson.
The Hoosiers’ success has been attributed to a strong team dynamic and an unwavering commitment to winning. Senior center Pat Coogan delivered an inspiring speech before the game, motivating his teammates by reminding them of their journey together, which included many players transferring from other programs. “He’s like, ‘Look at us, a bunch of misfits… now we have a chance to be 12-0,'” said quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The team has embraced their underdog status, and their unity has been a crucial factor in their success.
Defensive players like senior end Stephen Daley have shown significant growth this season. After transferring from a winless team at Kent State, Daley has become a key contributor, leading the Big Ten with 18 tackles for loss. “I think that’s what’s kind of been driving us this whole season, just not wanting to disappoint the man next to you,” he explained. “A like-minded team that just wants to win is a very dangerous team.”
Cignetti entered the game against Purdue with questions about his team’s ability to maintain their competitive edge. He challenged them to deliver a definitive performance, and the Hoosiers responded emphatically. Following the victory, the team celebrated in the locker room, cherishing the moment with cigars and a sense of accomplishment.
Looking ahead, Indiana is focused on their upcoming championship game and the potential for a spot in the College Football Playoff. “Everybody on the team — coaches, support staff, players — we’ve all worked our entire lives to get to this point,” Mendoza noted. “We’ve got to keep on going harder.”
As the Hoosiers prepare for the Big Ten Championship, the sense of achievement is palpable, but the team remains committed to further success. Senior linebacker Aiden Fisher expressed their determination, stating, “We know we have something special with this team, and we know we can take this thing pretty far.”
This historic 12-0 season marks a new chapter in Indiana football, as they look to build on this success and aim for greater heights in the coming weeks.
