Indiana Clinches Big Ten Title, Secures College Football Playoff Top Seed

In a thrilling college football showdown, the Indiana Hoosiers secured a historic victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes, clinching the Big Ten championship. The game, which took place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, ended with a score of 13-10, marking Indiana’s first outright Big Ten title since 1945.

Indiana’s Landmark Victory

With this triumph, Indiana finishes the season with an impressive record of 13-0. The win also earns the Hoosiers the No. 1 seed in the upcoming College Football Playoff, where they are set to compete in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2026.

A New Era for Indiana Football

• Coach Curt Cignetti celebrates his team’s remarkable turnaround.
• Indiana was once the losingest program in college football history.
• The last time the Hoosiers won the Big Ten was 78 years ago.

This season marked a significant turnaround for Indiana football, especially against a formidable rival. For context, the Buckeyes, who had been the defending national champions, entered the matchup with a 30-game winning streak against Indiana.

Key Players Shine

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was pivotal in the victory. Transferring from California, Mendoza completed 15 of 23 passes for 222 yards, including a crucial touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt. His performance has positioned him as a strong contender for the Heisman Trophy.

Indiana’s defense also played a crucial role, limiting Ohio State to just 58 rushing yards. A critical defensive stand prevented the Buckeyes from scoring on a key fourth-and-1 play late in the game.

Celebrations and Emotions

As the final whistle blew, jubilant Indiana fans showered the field with crimson and cream confetti. The atmosphere was electric as players captured the moment with selfies and shared their joy with loved ones via FaceTime. Emotional moments were shared, such as defensive tackle Tyrique Tucker’s heartfelt dedication to his late mother during the celebrations.

Looking Ahead

With the Big Ten championship title in hand and the Rose Bowl on the horizon, Indiana football is poised for a bright future. This season has rewritten the narrative for the program and united fans in a celebration of resilience and achievement.