No. 5 Indiana is the surprise team of the 2024 college football season. As the Hoosiers gear up for their most significant challenge yet against No. 2 Ohio State this Saturday, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with curiosity about how this team ascended to the upper echelon of college football so swiftly.
One of the key figures behind this remarkable turnaround is head coach Curt Cignetti. With a proven track record that dates back to his tenure at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Cignetti has emerged as a strong candidate for college football’s coach of the year award in 2024. Under his leadership, the Hoosiers have achieved an impressive 10-0 record so far this season.
Transformative Transfers from JMU
Cignetti’s success at Indiana can be largely attributed to his strategic use of the transfer portal. This tool has become essential for college football recruiting, allowing coaches to build competitive teams by supplementing traditional recruiting classes. Ahead of the 2024 season, Cignetti made a bold move by bringing in 31 transfers, including 13 players who had previously played under him at James Madison University (JMU).
This influx of talent has had an immediate impact. For instance, former Dukes running back Ty Son Lawton is second on the team in rushing yards with 508 and has scored nine touchdowns. Not to be outdone, Kaelon Black ranks third with 217 rushing yards and two touchdowns. On the receiving end, Elijah Sarratt has emerged as a standout, leading the Hoosiers with 685 yards and six touchdowns.
Offensive Contributions from Transfers
The offensive lineup has seen significant contributions from these transfer players. Here’s a closer look:
- Running back Solomon Vanhorse
- Wide receiver Elijah Sarratt
- Offensive lineman Nick Kidwell
- Tight end Zach Horton
- Running back Kaelon Black
- Offensive lineman Tyler Stephens
- Running back Ty Son Lawton
Vanhorse has also made his mark as Indiana’s leading kick returner, showcasing the depth of talent on this roster. With Tyler Stephens stepping up due to an injury to Drew Evans, the offensive line is adapting well, proving that Cignetti’s vision for a competitive team is coming to fruition.
Defensive Dominance
The defense, too, has benefitted from Cignetti’s transfer strategy, particularly with the addition of JMU linebackers Aiden Fisher and Jailin Walker. Together, they have racked up 157 total tackles and have been pivotal in the Hoosiers’ defensive schemes. Walker has even forced a fumble, showcasing his knack for making game-changing plays.
The defensive line is also formidable, with Mikail Kamara leading the team in sacks, totaling 9.5 for 73 yards. Cornerback D’Angelo Ponds has contributed significantly as well, ranking fourth on the team in tackles with 45 stops and two interceptions. The combination of these transfers has created a robust defensive unit that can stand toe-to-toe with the best in the nation.
Other Key Transfers Making Waves
Cignetti’s portal success isn’t limited to former JMU players. The Hoosiers have welcomed several impactful transfers from other programs. Starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke has thrown for 2,410 yards, with an impressive 21 touchdowns against just four interceptions. His leadership on the field has been crucial for Indiana’s offensive rhythm.
Justice Ellison, the starting running back, leads the team with 686 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, having transferred from Wake Forest. Meanwhile, receiver Myles Price, who joined from Texas Tech, ranks third on the team in receiving yards with 377 and has scored two touchdowns. Safety Shawn Asbury, coming from Old Dominion, has also made his presence felt with 54 total tackles and an interception this season.
Cignetti has emphasized the importance of experience in building a winning culture. “We have a lot of guys that have played winning football,” he noted in July. “In this day and age in the portal, you can change things real fast.” This philosophy is clearly reflected in the Hoosiers’ performance on the field.
Depth Chart Insights
To give you a clearer picture of how these players fit into the team, here’s a look at Indiana’s depth chart in recent weeks, with former JMU players highlighted:
Offense
| Position | Player |
| QB | Kurtis Rourke |
| RB | Justice Ellison |
| WR 1 | Elijah Sarratt |
| WR 2 | Miles Cross |
| WR 3 | Myles Price |
| TE | Zach Horton |
| LT | Carter Smith |
| LG | Tyler Stephens |
| C | Mike Katic |
| RG | Bray Lynch |
| RT | Trey Wedig |
Defense
| Position | Player |
| DE | Mikail Kamara |
| NT | CJ West |
| DT | James Carpenter |
| STUD | Lanell Carr Jr. |
| MLB | Jailin Walker |
| WLB | Aiden Fisher |
| LCB | D’Angelo Ponds |
| SS | Shawn Asbury II |
| FS | Amare Ferrell |
| RCB | Jameir Johnson |
| NB | Terry Jones Jr. |
The upcoming challenge against Ohio State will be a true test of Indiana’s mettle. Cignetti’s ability to recruit effectively without the benefit of former players will be crucial in the coming years. Currently, Indiana’s 2025 recruiting class ranks 39th overall and 13th in the Big Ten, but with the momentum they’ve built, who knows what the future holds for this resurgent program? The excitement surrounding Indiana football is palpable, and fans are eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.
