Indiana Hoosiers Win 2025 Title After Opening at No. 20

2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 15

No. 20 Indiana turned a modest preseason ranking into the 2025 national championship, emerging as the clearest recent example of a team smashing AP poll expectations.
Curt Cignetti’s team did it against a much tougher schedule than in 2024, with the coach’s impact and quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s rise driving the run.
Mendoza went from Cal transfer to Heisman Trophy winner and the No. 1 overall NFL draft pick, reshaping perceptions of a roster many viewed as undermanned.
The report frames Indiana alongside past champions that started outside the top 10, including 2000 Oklahoma at No. 19 and 2010 Auburn at No. 22.
With the 2026 preseason AP Poll due Monday, Indiana’s title run is being cited as a reminder that early rankings often miss eventual champions.