After an electrifying season that saw the Indiana Hoosiers emerge as one of college football’s biggest surprises, the team is now making significant moves in the transfer portal. Under the leadership of second-year head coach Chris Cignetti, the Hoosiers are determined to build on their success, which included a remarkable run to the College Football Playoff. With the 2024 season on the horizon, Cignetti is focused on maintaining the positive momentum and ensuring that his squad is well-equipped for another competitive year.
Reflecting on a Stellar Season
The Hoosiers finished the 2023 season with an impressive 11-2 record, including a perfect 10-0 start before facing off against Ohio State. Although their season concluded with a tough loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff, Indiana’s offensive prowess was undeniable, averaging an astonishing 41.3 points per game. This offensive explosion caught the attention of college football fans across the nation and set high expectations for the upcoming season.
Top 3 Indiana Hoosiers Cignetti has added in winter portal
As Cignetti looks to reload his roster, he has identified key players from the transfer portal to strengthen the team. Here are the top three stars that the Hoosiers have secured:
1. Fernando Mendoza, California QB
With the departure of Kurtis Rourke, the Hoosiers were in search of a new quarterback to lead their offense. Enter Fernando Mendoza, a talented signal-caller who threw for an impressive 3,004 yards and 16 touchdowns at California in 2024. Mendoza’s journey began in 2023 when he inherited the starting job as a freshman, showcasing his potential with 1,708 yards and 14 touchdowns. His ability to adapt to a pass-heavy offensive scheme aligns perfectly with Cignetti’s vision for Indiana’s game plan in 2025. The Hoosiers have filled a critical need with Mendoza, and fans are eager to see how he will elevate the offense.
2. Roman Hemby, Maryland RB
Another significant addition is Roman Hemby, a dynamic running back from Maryland. Over his four-year career with the Terrapins, Hemby has accumulated 2,347 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns across 42 games. His standout season came in 2022 when he rushed for 989 yards and 10 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman. Hemby has demonstrated his versatility by also catching 112 passes for 921 yards and five touchdowns. With just one year left at Indiana, Hemby possesses the skill set necessary to make an immediate impact on the Hoosiers’ offensive attack.
3. Amariyun Knighten, Northern Illinois CB
On the defensive side, the Hoosiers have welcomed Amariyun Knighten, a promising cornerback from Northern Illinois. Standing at 6-foot-1, Knighten has proven to be a formidable presence in the secondary, starting 14 games over three seasons and recording 45 tackles along with seven passes broken up. His standout moment came during NIU’s upset victory over Notre Dame, where he made his only career interception. Knighten’s knack for making big plays in crucial moments bodes well for his upcoming season with Indiana.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the Hoosiers gear up for the 2025 season, the excitement is palpable among fans and players alike. Cignetti’s strategic moves in the transfer portal have laid a solid foundation for what could be another thrilling campaign. With a blend of experienced talent and promising newcomers, Indiana is poised to make a strong push for the College Football Playoff once again.
The challenge of replicating their previous success will not be easy, but with the right pieces in place, the Hoosiers have the potential to rise to the occasion. The combination of Mendoza’s passing ability, Hemby’s explosive running, and Knighten’s defensive prowess could create a formidable team that competes at the highest level.
What do you think of IU’s portal stars? Share your thoughts on their potential impact for the 2025 season. The excitement of college football is in the air, and as the Hoosiers continue to build their roster, fans are left wondering just how far this team can go. Will they be able to surprise us once again? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Hoosiers are ready to make their mark.
