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BLOOMINGTON — The storm clouds have parted over Memorial Stadium.
Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti led the team to unprecedented heights in his first season patrolling the sidelines in Bloomington. The Hoosiers reached the College Football Playoff after winning double-digit games for the first time in program history.
Cignetti is here for the long haul after signing a new eight-year contract through 2032 with the stated goal of turning IU into a powerhouse in the Big Ten.
Indiana's annual spring game on Thursday at 8 p.m. will provide fans a glimpse of that progress. Here’s what to look for in Hoosiers' yearly spring scrimmage:
More: Indiana football’s new-look running back room ready to ‘wake the world up’
There’s been a noticeable dropoff in spring game attendance across the country. Ohio State announced its lowest attendance for the annual scrimmage (40,136 fans) in four years, Georgia’s spring attendance was down more than 19,000 fans from 2024 and Alabama declined to even announce attendance for their annual A-Day.
The Crimson Tide followed the recent trend of abandoning an actual scrimmage and just held an open practice for fans in a break from tradition.
Indiana fans headed to Memorial Stadium on Thursday night won’t have to worry about Curt Cignetti following suit. He told reporters last week that the format will be the same as it was last year with the offense playing the defense for a full half and the event remains free for fans to attend.
That will make the turnout worth watching.
The Hoosiers’ increased attendance last season starting with a near sellout against Maryland boosted their playoff hopes and had a positive impact on the recruiting trail as they sought out top transfers.
Indiana isn’t going to suddenly draw 50,000-plus overnight, but there should be more casual fans in attendance to support the significant investment the school has made into the football program.
More: Why IU football, last year's No. 2 ranked defense, isn't expecting a dropoff at linebacker
There’s been no talk of a quarterback competition this spring for Indiana football. The Hoosiers signed Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza with every intention of having him take over for Kurtis Rourke.
Mendoza was one of the top available quarterbacks in the portal — 247 Sports had him ranked No. 4 at his position in the site’s transfer rankings — and he’s coming off a 3,000-passing season. His 68.7% completion percentage and low turnover rate are all the more impressive when you consider he was sacked 40 times.
His new teammates have raved about the zip he puts on the ball and his impressive mobility.
While the spring game isn’t generally a time coaches open up the playbook, Mendoza will still be the center of attention as fans hope to get an idea of what he brings to the offense.
Indiana graduated a pair of starters (Shawn Asbury and Terry Jones Jr.) in the secondary from a group that helped the Hoosiers finish with the No. 2 passing defense (176.1 yards allowed per game) in the country. They had more interceptions (15) last year than passing touchdowns allowed (11).
The coaching staff reeled in a ton of experienced talent — all four transfers they signed had double-digit starts under their belt — while keeping an eye on the future with five freshmen signees.
Indiana’s highest-rated high school player in IU’s 2025 signing class (and lone four-star) was safety Byron Baldwin Jr. Baldwin is one of 14 freshmen who participated in spring practice as mid-year enrollees.
Those veterans seemingly have a leg up on making the two-deep given the way Cignetti values experience, but with most guys starting fresh in Bloomington, there’s plenty of room for movement around returning starters D’Angelo Ponds and safety Amare Ferrell.
More: ‘I see progress’: Indiana football’s offensive line not letting injuries derail spring practice goals
The most significant injury news for Indiana going into the spring game was Michigan transfer receiver Tyler Morris suffering a season-ending knee injury. He was expected to help fill the void at slot receiver with Myles Price, KeShawn Williams, and Miles Cross all exhausting their eligibility.
That trio gave IU consistent production out of the slot and combined for 104 catches, 1,238 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.
Morris brought a championship pedigree over from Ann Arbor along with superior speed. During his time with the Wolverines, he was clocked at speeds of 20-plus mph in a game. He had the type of skill set that would thrive in Cignetti’s system.
Indiana isn’t lacking for talent at the position — Elijah Sarratt could be one of the top receivers in the Big Ten next season and watch out for sophomore Charlie Becker — but any further injuries would really test the team’s depth.
The spring game will give IU’s freshmen a chance to prove they are ready for a spot on the depth chart.
More: Indiana football’s ‘remarkable’ momentum carried weight with impact transfers
The interior of Indiana’s defense line was an underrated part of its success last season. James Carpenter and CJ West got most of those reps — Carpenter played 573 snaps and West played 420 snaps — but still managed to play at an incredibly high level.
West’s freakish athleticism has drawn plenty of attention from NFL scouts in recent weeks, but fans who watched the Hoosiers play last season are already well acquainted with his impactful skill set.
Carpenter sat out last year’s spring game with an injury while West signed with the team during the spring portal window. Their likely replacements are already on the roster — returning tackle Tyrique Tucker is a name to watch along with Western Kentucky transfer Hosea Wheeler and Texas State transfer Dominique Ratcliff.
The chemistry they develop with defensive end Mikail Kamara, who led the FBS with 68 quarterback pressures last season, will be particularly important.
Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: IU football spring game preview: What to watch on Thursday night
Continue reading...
Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti led the team to unprecedented heights in his first season patrolling the sidelines in Bloomington. The Hoosiers reached the College Football Playoff after winning double-digit games for the first time in program history.
Cignetti is here for the long haul after signing a new eight-year contract through 2032 with the stated goal of turning IU into a powerhouse in the Big Ten.
Indiana's annual spring game on Thursday at 8 p.m. will provide fans a glimpse of that progress. Here’s what to look for in Hoosiers' yearly spring scrimmage:
You must be registered for see images attach
More: Indiana football’s new-look running back room ready to ‘wake the world up’
Will Indiana football fans Pack the Rock?
There’s been a noticeable dropoff in spring game attendance across the country. Ohio State announced its lowest attendance for the annual scrimmage (40,136 fans) in four years, Georgia’s spring attendance was down more than 19,000 fans from 2024 and Alabama declined to even announce attendance for their annual A-Day.
The Crimson Tide followed the recent trend of abandoning an actual scrimmage and just held an open practice for fans in a break from tradition.
Indiana fans headed to Memorial Stadium on Thursday night won’t have to worry about Curt Cignetti following suit. He told reporters last week that the format will be the same as it was last year with the offense playing the defense for a full half and the event remains free for fans to attend.
That will make the turnout worth watching.
The Hoosiers’ increased attendance last season starting with a near sellout against Maryland boosted their playoff hopes and had a positive impact on the recruiting trail as they sought out top transfers.
Indiana isn’t going to suddenly draw 50,000-plus overnight, but there should be more casual fans in attendance to support the significant investment the school has made into the football program.
You must be registered for see images attach
More: Why IU football, last year's No. 2 ranked defense, isn't expecting a dropoff at linebacker
Will new IU quarterback Fernando Mendoza get a chance to spin it?
There’s been no talk of a quarterback competition this spring for Indiana football. The Hoosiers signed Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza with every intention of having him take over for Kurtis Rourke.
Mendoza was one of the top available quarterbacks in the portal — 247 Sports had him ranked No. 4 at his position in the site’s transfer rankings — and he’s coming off a 3,000-passing season. His 68.7% completion percentage and low turnover rate are all the more impressive when you consider he was sacked 40 times.
His new teammates have raved about the zip he puts on the ball and his impressive mobility.
While the spring game isn’t generally a time coaches open up the playbook, Mendoza will still be the center of attention as fans hope to get an idea of what he brings to the offense.
Is Indiana’s new-look secondary ready for prime time?
Indiana graduated a pair of starters (Shawn Asbury and Terry Jones Jr.) in the secondary from a group that helped the Hoosiers finish with the No. 2 passing defense (176.1 yards allowed per game) in the country. They had more interceptions (15) last year than passing touchdowns allowed (11).
The coaching staff reeled in a ton of experienced talent — all four transfers they signed had double-digit starts under their belt — while keeping an eye on the future with five freshmen signees.
Indiana’s highest-rated high school player in IU’s 2025 signing class (and lone four-star) was safety Byron Baldwin Jr. Baldwin is one of 14 freshmen who participated in spring practice as mid-year enrollees.
Those veterans seemingly have a leg up on making the two-deep given the way Cignetti values experience, but with most guys starting fresh in Bloomington, there’s plenty of room for movement around returning starters D’Angelo Ponds and safety Amare Ferrell.
You must be registered for see images attach
More: ‘I see progress’: Indiana football’s offensive line not letting injuries derail spring practice goals
Does Indiana football have enough depth at wide receiver?
The most significant injury news for Indiana going into the spring game was Michigan transfer receiver Tyler Morris suffering a season-ending knee injury. He was expected to help fill the void at slot receiver with Myles Price, KeShawn Williams, and Miles Cross all exhausting their eligibility.
That trio gave IU consistent production out of the slot and combined for 104 catches, 1,238 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.
Morris brought a championship pedigree over from Ann Arbor along with superior speed. During his time with the Wolverines, he was clocked at speeds of 20-plus mph in a game. He had the type of skill set that would thrive in Cignetti’s system.
Indiana isn’t lacking for talent at the position — Elijah Sarratt could be one of the top receivers in the Big Ten next season and watch out for sophomore Charlie Becker — but any further injuries would really test the team’s depth.
The spring game will give IU’s freshmen a chance to prove they are ready for a spot on the depth chart.
You must be registered for see images attach
More: Indiana football’s ‘remarkable’ momentum carried weight with impact transfers
How much will the Hoosiers miss James Carpenter and CJ West?
The interior of Indiana’s defense line was an underrated part of its success last season. James Carpenter and CJ West got most of those reps — Carpenter played 573 snaps and West played 420 snaps — but still managed to play at an incredibly high level.
West’s freakish athleticism has drawn plenty of attention from NFL scouts in recent weeks, but fans who watched the Hoosiers play last season are already well acquainted with his impactful skill set.
Carpenter sat out last year’s spring game with an injury while West signed with the team during the spring portal window. Their likely replacements are already on the roster — returning tackle Tyrique Tucker is a name to watch along with Western Kentucky transfer Hosea Wheeler and Texas State transfer Dominique Ratcliff.
The chemistry they develop with defensive end Mikail Kamara, who led the FBS with 68 quarterback pressures last season, will be particularly important.
Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: IU football spring game preview: What to watch on Thursday night
Continue reading...
