Perfect Starts, Different Journeys: Indiana’s 5-0 in 2024 vs 2025

Shannon Griffith, Lead Football Analyst – TheHoosier.com

A Rare Feat in Bloomington

Back-to-back 5-0 starts aren’t something Indiana Football fans are used to celebrating. Under second-year head coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers have elevated themselves into rare air — riding momentum, discipline, and elite quarterback play into consecutive undefeated Septembers.

But the storylines from 2024 and 2025 couldn’t be more different. One was a Cinderella run that shocked the Big Ten and delivered Indiana’s first College Football Playoff appearance. The other is shaping up to be a program that expects to win and is out to prove it can sustain success at the national level.

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2024 Flashback: The Breakthrough Season

Last fall, Indiana lit the college football world on fire. Behind quarterback Kurtis Rourke, the Hoosiers opened 5-0 and quickly became a headline story.

• Scoring Output: Through five games, Indiana averaged roughly 36 points per game.
• Defense: The Hoosiers allowed just 17 points per game, with a turnover margin that fueled momentum.
• Key Wins: Washington and Michigan fell as IU climbed into the Top 10.

But cracks began to show. The offense relied heavily on Rourke’s passing. Against elite defenses, the Hoosiers struggled to adjust, eventually bowing out in the playoff against Notre Dame. Still, 2024 will be remembered as the year Indiana proved it belonged on the national stage.

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2025 Breakdown: A Stronger Foundation

Fast forward one year. Indiana is 5-0 again, but the makeup of this team feels different.

• Explosive Offense: Through five games, the Hoosiers are averaging 47.8 points per game while allowing just 9.6 points per game. That’s a scoring margin near 40 points.
• Quarterback Fernando Mendoza: The transfer has been nothing short of spectacular — 16 touchdowns, 1 interception, and 73% completions. His efficiency ranks among the nation’s best.
• Running Back Roman Hemby: A steady force in the ground game, though the Hoosiers took a hit with Lee Beebe Jr. lost for the season due to a knee injury.
• Wide Receiver Elijah Sarratt: Nicknamed “Waffle House” because he’s always open, Sarratt has emerged as Mendoza’s favorite target and one of the Big Ten’s most reliable receivers.
• Defense: Indiana is giving up just 221 yards per game, ranking top 10 nationally.

Unlike 2024’s one-dimensional reliance on Rourke, the 2025 Hoosiers look balanced and dangerous on both sides of the ball.

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Comparison: Two 5-0 Starts, Different Journeys

• Strength of Schedule: 2024’s run included a less daunting schedule of opponents. 2025’s slate has been more robust, especially facing a #9 Illinois team and Iowa on the road. But here comes Oregon as the true litmus test.
• Style of Play: Last year’s identity was pass-heavy. This year, Indiana spreads the ball, and a rushing attack that has had three games with over 300 yards rushing under OC Mike Shanahan, and leans on a stingy defense.
• Team Identity: 2024 was about proving Indiana belonged. 2025 is about expecting to win.
• National Perception: Last year, the Hoosiers were a feel-good Cinderella. This year, they’re respected as a Top 10 program with real staying power.

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Big Picture: Oregon Awaits

If there’s one lesson from 2024, it’s this: finishing the season is just as important as starting strong. The bye week arrives at the perfect time as Indiana prepares for a showdown at Oregon.

Win that game, and Indiana will sit at 6-0 for the second straight year. More importantly, it will cement the Hoosiers as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender — not a fluke, but a fixture on the national stage.

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Coach Griff’s Video Room: Concerns on Film

Even in dominance, there are concerns. On film, Indiana’s offense can look predictable at times, particularly on early downs. Against Iowa, the play-calling was conservative, raising the question of whether the Hoosiers have enough variety to challenge elite defenses.

The loss of Beebe shifts more pressure to Hemby and the offensive line. Protection and run-game creativity will be crucial against front-sevens like Oregon’s.

Defensively, the secondary has been lights out, but zone coverage lapses appear on tape. Tackling in space and discipline will be tested against Oregon’s speed.

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Conclusion

Two seasons. Two perfect starts. Two different journeys. The 2024 Hoosiers were out to prove they belonged. The 2025 Hoosiers are out to prove they can stay.

Next stop: Oregon. And that game could define everything.

🚨Join us tonight at 7:30 PM as we discuss this 5-0 start and dissect the Offense & Defense