Indiana football’s turnaround did not happen overnight, and it did not happen by accident. It happened through the transfer portal.
When Curt Cignetti arrived in Bloomington, he inherited a roster that needed experience and could provide immediate production. Rather than wait years for recruiting classes to develop, Indiana attacked the portal, and it worked.
Cignetti made his expectations famous early in his tenure.
“I win. Google me.”
No one symbolizes the transformation and success more than Fernando Mendoza, this year’s Heisman Trophy winner. Coming out of high school, the quarterback was a three-star recruit and committed to Cal, where he played for three season.
Ahead of this season though, Mendoza wanted a change of scenery, and Indiana proved to be the perfect fit.
“All I can control is being the best Fernando Mendoza quarterback and character that I can become,” Mendoza said. “That’s what sold me. My reason for entering the transfer portal was wanting to develop and take that next step, that next growth.”
The quarterback has been a big piece of the Hoosiers’ success, but the supporting cast around him is what allowed Indiana to reach 13-0 and the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
One of the most important additions alongside Mendoza was running back Roman Hemby, who transferred from Maryland. Hemby arrived with proven Big Ten experience and gave Indiana a reliable, physical presence in the backfield.
“I wanted to do what was best for me,” Hemby said after entering the transfer portal.
The running back’s ability to control the pace of games took pressure off Mendoza and helped Indiana become one of the most balanced offenses in the country.
At wide receiver, Indiana benefited from the arrival of Elijah Sarratt, who followed Cignetti from James Madison. Sarratt quickly emerged as one of Mendoza’s most trusted targets and a consistent playmaker on the perimeter.
Cignetti has emphasized that familiarity and trust are key factors when evaluating portal additions.
“We want guys that fit us culturally, mentally, physically,” the head coach said. “Experience matters.”
That experience also showed on the defensive side, where transfers such as Mikail Kamara and Tyrique Tucker helped reshape Indiana’s front. Both brought an understanding of Cignetti’s system and set the tone with their effort and physicality.
The head coach has repeatedly said that talent alone is not enough when building through the portal.
“Character matters,” he said. “How they work, how they prepare, that’s just as important as what they’ve done on Saturdays.”
Together, the portal additions transformed Indiana from a rebuilding program into a national contender. Mendoza became the face of that resurgence, but players like Hemby, Sarratt and key defensive transfers provided the depth, balance and leadership needed to sustain it.
Indiana’s success is now a blueprint for modern college football. This team is proof that with the right evaluations, the right culture and the right players, the transfer portal can change everything.
