BLOOMINGTON — As the sun sets over Memorial Stadium, excitement is building for the Indiana football spring game scheduled for Thursday night at 8 p.m. This annual event not only marks the start of the football season but also offers fans a first look at new quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is poised to lead the Hoosiers into the 2025 season.
Under the guidance of head coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana football has reached unprecedented heights. Last season, the Hoosiers made history by winning double-digit games for the first time, culminating in a spot in the College Football Playoff. Following this remarkable achievement, Cignetti signed a new eight-year contract through 2032, with a clear vision of transforming Indiana into a powerhouse in the Big Ten.
Fans attending the spring game will witness a scrimmage format similar to last year, where the offense will face off against the defense for a full half. This decision comes as attendance for spring games has seen a noticeable decline nationally, with schools like Ohio State and Georgia reporting significant drops in fan turnout. Cignetti, however, is optimistic about the attendance at Memorial Stadium, which has been bolstered by last season's success and a commitment to enhancing the football program.
One of the key highlights of the spring game will be the debut of Mendoza, who transferred from Cal. Ranked as the No. 4 quarterback in the transfer portal by 247 Sports, Mendoza had an impressive previous season, throwing for over 3,000 yards with a completion percentage of 68.7%. His ability to evade pressure, despite being sacked 40 times last season, has garnered praise from his teammates. "He really puts a zip on the ball and can move well in the pocket," said one of his fellow players. Fans will be eager to see how he adapts to Indiana's offense during the scrimmage.
Another area of focus will be Indiana's revamped secondary. The Hoosiers graduated key players Shawn Asbury and Terry Jones Jr., who were instrumental in achieving the No. 2 passing defense in the nation, allowing just 176.1 yards per game. With 15 interceptions last season, the new defensive backs will have big shoes to fill. The coaching staff has bolstered the roster with experienced transfers, all of whom have considerable starting experience. Among the incoming talent is Byron Baldwin Jr., the highest-rated recruit in Indiana's 2025 signing class, who is expected to make an immediate impact.
In terms of offensive depth, the Hoosiers face challenges following the season-ending injury of Michigan transfer Tyler Morris, a key addition expected to enhance the receiving corps. Morris was anticipated to fill the void left by Myles Price, KeShawn Williams, and Miles Cross, who all exhausted their eligibility. Together, they contributed significantly last season with 104 catches, 1,238 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. Despite this setback, Indiana's roster still boasts talent; Elijah Sarratt is projected to be a standout receiver, and sophomore Charlie Becker is expected to step up as well. The spring game will be crucial for younger players to prove their readiness for the upcoming season.
On the defensive front, the Hoosiers will need to address the absence of key players James Carpenter and CJ West, who were vital to the team's success last year. Carpenter played 573 snaps while West contributed 420 snaps, both maintaining high performance levels. Their potential replacements, including Tyrique Tucker and transfers Hosea Wheeler and Dominique Ratcliff, will be under scrutiny as they look to build chemistry with standout defensive end Mikail Kamara, who led the FBS with 68 quarterback pressures last season.
In addition to the on-field action, Indiana's specialists also met with the media this week. Kicker Nico Radicic, who set a program record with a perfect 69-for-69 on extra points last season, aims to build on his success. He also made 10 of 11 field goals and earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. Punter Mitch McCarthy, who transferred from UCF, brings experience with 39 punts landing inside the 20-yard line during his career. Long snapper Mark Langston returns for his second season and also received honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades last year.
As the spring game approaches, the atmosphere in Bloomington is electric. Fans are eager to see how the Hoosiers will build upon last season's success and whether they can maintain momentum heading into the fall. With new talent on display and a solid foundation already established, the spring game promises to be an exciting preview of what lies ahead for Indiana football.
With kickoff set for 8 p.m. on April 17, 2025, at Memorial Stadium, the Hoosiers are ready to showcase their progress. Will Indiana fans pack the stands to support their team? The answer will unfold under the lights as the Hoosiers aim to make a statement in their spring scrimmage.
