When Curt Cignetti took over the Indiana Hoosiers last season, he sounded confident. “I win; Google me,” he famously quoted back then. This raised a few eyebrows given the program’s recent struggles, but Cignetti led Indiana to the best start in school history and a College Football Playoff appearance. Now, as they head to the 2025 season, the atmosphere around Indiana is brimming with optimism. Success breeds more success, and their impressive 11-2 record is helping them land some top transfers.

In January, former Notre Dame center Pat Coogan committed to the Hoosiers. Indiana has landed several in-state commitments from the Class of 2026, including Franklin Central defensive lineman Blake Smythe, Crown Point tight end/linebacker Trevor Gibbs, and Decatur Central defensive back Kasmir Hicks, the top-ranked player in the state. In December, Cignetti also roped in QB Fernando Mendoza as well.

Mendoza will be coming after a 3,000+ yard season with the California Golden Bears. When asked if the QB would be a threat, the head coach was all in praise of Mendoza. Speaking on ESPN College Football, Cignetti said, “I think with him, you’re going to get some of it without even calling it. You know, like we’re having a big discussion on the quarterback draw, and when you look at our pocket passes and how many times he runs for a big game.” The head coach even praised the passing ability that Mendoza brings to the table.

“He’s got good movement, quick release, and can make all the throws. He’s accurate, also. Throws the ball on a run really well. So, yeah. Well, we move him around a little more than we do.” The QB rushed for 105 yards at California last year and scored 12 touchdowns. In Cignetti’s offense, the player will be expected to thrive, as his arm strength is unworldly, and he can make decent short-yardage runs, too. This is something we didn’t see with Kurtis Rourke last year.

Mendoza was the third-leading passer in the ACC last season with 3,004 passing yards on 68.7% passing and 6 interceptions over 11 games. In addition to his skills as a quarterback, he brings a new dimension to the team.

Unlike traditional pocket passers, he can execute more run-pass option (RPO) plays, allowing Mike Shanahan to overload the defense and create a numerical advantage for the offense. Mendoza will also play a key role in directing the run game, helping backs like Roman Hemby and creating space for play-action passes.

His quick decision-making and rapid release will provide a significant competitive edge to an already elite offense.

For Cignetti, these acquisitions represent how far the program has come and are a testament to the progress. “Without that success, you don’t land a Fernando Mendoza or a Pat Coogan, and some of those other guys we were able to get,” Cignetti said on the “Always College Football” podcast. “That’s all promises and a vision. Now you’ve got results to show for it,” he added while talking about building his team.

Meanwhile, Cignetti announced another addition to his recruiting class for 2025, and it is someone who will aid Fernando Mendoza’s progress as well.

Curt Cignetti signs a big portal addition for the WR room

We all know how NIL and the transfer portal have nearly disrupted the dynamics of college football right now. On the one hand, we have power teams like Oregon, Texas, and Ohio State with their endless financial backing, and on the other hand, there are the programs that are succumbing to poaching by NIL money from the teams. This was something Curt Cignetti couldn’t just silently watch, and he decided to put in some moves in the portal.

The head coach himself has roped in a transfer prospect in Jonathan Brady after the team lost their top WR, Tyler Morris. Hayce Fawcett reported on his May 3 IG post. “Cal transfer WR Jonathan Brady has committed to Indiana.” The player arriving from Cal provides a wealth of experience and talent.

The wide receiver totaled 1,320 receiving yards over three seasons at New Mexico and Cal. Moreover, standing at 5’10” and 180 lbs, the player provides the type of pace and agility that Cignetti will require. Brady will have one year of eligibility remaining as he comes into the WR room to provide depth. The core already has Omar Cooper Jr. (594 yards in 2024) and Elijah Sarrat (957 yards in 2024), and the addition of Brady will undoubtedly be a boost for the team.