'We're not a one-hit wonder': Indiana declares itself a College Football power with historic win over Oregon

Saturday at Autzen Stadium, the improbable became reality: crimson-clad Indiana fans stormed the field, celebrating a victory that had seemed unimaginable for the program with the most losses in college football history.

The scoreboard told the story: No. 7 Indiana 30, No. 3 Oregon 20. The Hoosiers had defeated a top-five opponent for the first time since 1967, when they toppled No. 3 Purdue to clinch a Rose Bowl berth.

Curt Cignetti, Indiana’s head coach, walked to the CBS sideline for a postgame interview as fans circled behind him chanting his name.

“I thought we established credibility last season and I didn’t need to be that way,” he said postgame. “I could focus in on what I do, which is coach the football team this year.”

After an 11-win 2024 campaign, the Hoosiers entered Eugene unbeaten, battle-tested and ready to make an even bolder statement. A 6–0 start — including a thrashing of ranked Illinois, a road win at Iowa and now this — confirmed Indiana’s arrival among college football’s elite.

Statistically, Indiana’s dominance was undeniable. The Hoosiers outgained Oregon on the ground and through the air, led for more than 24 minutes, amassed six sacks to Oregon’s one, forced eight tackles for loss to Oregon’s four and controlled the clock by more than six minutes.

Turnovers tilted in Indiana’s favor, 2–1. Oregon’s two big plays — a 44-yard touchdown in the first quarter and a fourth-quarter pick-six — were shrugged off as just minor inconveniences for the Hoosiers.

“We believed, expected, prepared to make it happen, and we could handle the ups and downs of the game without flinching, showing frustration and anxiety,” Cignetti said. “That was the only thing you don’t know until you play the game. And we passed that test.”

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a California transfer who has emerged as one of the nation’s most compelling portal additions, epitomized that resilience. After the pick-six tied the game in the fourth quarter, Mendoza regrouped, orchestrating a 12-play, 75-yard drive and delivering the go-ahead touchdown to Elijah Sarratt.

“Basically everybody on the team come up to me, ‘Hey, we’re still behind you, we got your back,’” Mendoza said. “So to have everybody have belief in our offense … was phenomenal. There was no panic.”

“That’s like being the rubber ball, right?” Cignetti added. “You want to be like a rubber ball that bounces right back into your hand. And that’s the way he did after he threw the interception.”

The defensive effort, however, was the backbone of the win. Oregon, averaging 56 points and over 500 yards per game, was limited to 267 total yards and a single offensive touchdown. Quarterback Dante Moore was pressured, harassed and intercepted twice.

“Our defense really took it to them in the second half,” Cignetti said. “Our guys wanted it, they showed they wanted it on the field.”

Linebacker Aiden Fisher captured the ethos of the team.

“Just complete buy-in of confidence and love for one another and just playing really good football right now,” he said.

His linebacking unit combined for 34 tackles, embodying the relentless, complementary football that has become Indiana’s trademark.

The game also showcased Cignetti’s talent for developing transfer players. Mendoza, Sarratt, running back Roman Hemby — who had two touchdowns — and linebacker Kellan Wyatt all flourished, turning potential into production.

Indiana’s dominance extended beyond statistics. It was the manifestation of belief, preparation and culture.

“I really felt our team was in a good place, most important, our mindset,” Cignetti said. “We believed we could make it happen.”

Fans, long accustomed to disappointment, celebrated without restraint. Thousands of Hoosiers stormed the field, laughing, crying, hugging strangers and chanting, “Cig! Cig! Cig!” Athletic director Scott Dolson, who had endured years of mediocrity as a student and administrator, joined in, witnessing the program’s transformation firsthand.

Saturday’s victory was seismic. Indiana, which entered the season with the most losses in FBS history, defeated the nation’s third-ranked team on the road, snapped Oregon’s 18-game home winning streak and improved to 6-0 for the second consecutive season. The Hoosiers now boast two wins over top-10 teams in 2025 alone, including a 63-10 drubbing of then-No. 9 Illinois.

The significance goes beyond records. Indiana has shed its reputation as the Big Ten’s perennial underdog and entered the national conversation as a legitimate contender.

“We’re not a one-hit wonder,” Mendoza said. “We’re a real team.”

Cignetti’s impact is undeniable. The Hoosiers were 4-15 in the 19 games before his arrival. Now, 19 games into his tenure, they are 17-2.

“It puts us in a position if we can continue to be successful,” he said. “We have to show up to work on Monday to work as a team, humble and hungry, ready to go against Michigan State.”

Indiana’s journey from cellar-dweller to national contender is complete, at least for now. What was once inconceivable — defeating a top-five team on the road, in front of a hostile crowd — has now been achieved.

“We passed that test,” Cignetti said. “It’s a great win for our program.”

On a rainy Saturday in Eugene, the Hoosiers didn’t just win a game — they declared themselves a force in college football. They did it with poise, preparation and unflinching belief. As the crimson wave spilled onto Autzen Stadium’s turf, chanting their coach’s name, Indiana proved a new power has emerged in the sport’s heartland.

“We’re primed for games like this,” Fisher said. “This is why we play this game; that’s why you come to Indiana.”

Cignetti’s Hoosiers aren’t just good — they’re historic. And Saturday, in Eugene, they became undeniable.

Not yet a member of TheHoosier?  Join our community for Just $1 for your first week and get a complimentary year of The Athletic included with your membership. Join here!

Use the code “IND20” on Rhoback.com for a generous 20% off for all new customers through the end of this week. Rhoback — Best Fit, Best Feel.