Mon Dec 15 17:40:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Indiana Hoosiers Dominate College Football Awards, Secure No. 1 Playoff Seed

BLOOMINGTON, IN [Date] – The Indiana Hoosiers football program enjoyed a night of unprecedented success at ESPN’s The Home Depot College Football Awards. Head Coach Curt Cignetti claimed the Home Depot Coach of the Year award, marking his second national coach of the year honor this season, having already secured the Walter Camp National Coach of the Year award. This historic achievement makes Cignetti the first coach to win the Home Depot award in consecutive years.

Adding to the accolades, Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was named winner of the prestigious Davey O’Brien Award and Maxwell Award to go along with his Walter Camp Award earlier in the week. Mendoza joins the ranks of legendary Hoosiers like Anthony Thompson (1989 Maxwell Award winner) and becomes the first Big Ten quarterback to win the Maxwell Award since Drew Brees in 2000.

Mendoza’s stellar performance is highlighted by leading the nation in passing touchdowns (33) and touchdowns responsible for (39), and being the only FBS quarterback since 1996 with multiple games of at least 90 percent completion and four touchdown passes versus Power 4 opponents.

“This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players and coaching staff,” said Cignetti during the awards ceremony. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished this season, but we know the job isn’t finished yet.”

Furthermore, Offensive Lineman Carter Smith was named to the Walter Camp Football Foundation All-America First Team, while Defensive Back D’Angelo Ponds earned a spot on the Second Team, further cementing the Hoosiers’ dominance.

This wave of success follows a historic season for the Hoosiers, who achieved their first undefeated regular season, a program-record 13 wins, and a Big Ten Championship Game victory, securing them the coveted No. 1 seed in the upcoming College Football Playoff.

The Hoosiers will face the winner of the Alabama/Oklahoma game in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET.

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