The IU Hoosiers are national champions!
Let that soak in a minute…
On Monday, January 19th, in Miami, Coach Curt Cignetti’s IU Football team delivered an unbelievable performance against a tremendous opponent, earning a hard-fought 27-21 victory over Miami (Fla.) to win the College Football Playoff National Championship. That Monday night victory represented the final page to a storybook season that also included our first outright Big Ten title in 80 years, college football’s first 16-0 season in 131 seasons, and Indiana University’s first-ever Heisman Trophy winner in Fernando Mendoza.
It was an unrivaled season in our program’s history, complete with countless unforgettable moments. While it’s impossible for me to single out one ‘greatest’ memory from this CFP championship run, there was one recurring theme that was incredibly special to me, and that involved all of you.
Whether it was in Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship, or in Pasadena, Atlanta, and Miami during the College Football Playoff, the turnout of Hoosier Nation was remarkable. On gamedays, our fanbase dwarfed those of Alabama, Oregon, and even Miami (Fla.) in their own stadium. The enthusiasm from the countless fans that I met was unmistakable and energizing to me as well as our team.
That enthusiasm extended well beyond the postseason venues as well. The scenes from Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall for the 14,000-fan Watch Party that sold out in 90 minutes was jaw-dropping. Same goes for the crowds on Kirkwood Avenue after we won, and from the I-69 overpasses filled with fans waving as we returned to Bloomington on Tuesday.
Every single one of you – whether you’re a Director’s Club member, a Hoosier Fan Donor, a season ticket holder, an IU student, or a die-hard fan who passionately cheers us on from your living room - had a hand in making this happen. This historic achievement belongs to every person who believes in and supports the Cream and Crimson. You are the heartbeat of this program and our department. You showed that when Hoosier Nation stands together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.
Thank you to every one of you for making this championship possible. You deserve it!
Go IU!
Scott Dolson
Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics