Indiana Football Prepares For Key 2025 Season Amid Player Changes

The Indiana Hoosiers football team enters the 2025 season facing high expectations after an impressive 11-1 run and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024 under first-year coach Curt Cignetti, who rebuilt the roster largely through transfers. Despite losing key players, including quarterback Kurtis Rourke, Indiana secured top portal quarterback Fernando Mendoza and retained star receiver Elijah Surratt, aiming to remain a top-15 program though some analysts view their preseason top 25 ranking as optimistic. Veteran safety Bryson Bonds returns for his sixth season, bringing experience and potential leadership to the defensive backfield as the team looks to improve defensively. Former IU wide receiver Mitchell Paige previewed the football season and discussed expectations for Cignetti's squad, while also touching on Indiana basketball's upcoming Puerto Rico trip, which will not be broadcast but is seen as valuable preparation. Overall, while Indiana's 2024 success may be difficult to replicate, the program’s strategic transfers and returning veterans provide reasons for optimism as the new season approaches.