The Indiana Hoosiers opened year two of the Curt Cignetti era with a win against Old Dominion in week one of the 2025 football season.
No. 20 Indiana won 27-14 over Old Dominion on Saturday at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium today but man oh man it wasn't easy.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza looked calm and poised leading the Indiana offense.
Mendoza, finished 18 of 31 for 193 yards and ran six times for 34 yards. His touchdown run late in the first half gave the Hoosiers a 17-7 lead. The Cal transfer impressed in his first game as a Hoosiers but he mainly relied on his run game to help him out through the day.
The Indiana offense finished with 502 yards, gaining 5.6 yards per play.
The running game was outstanding throughout the day for Curt Cignetti's offense and could be a tale of signs for what's to come.
Indiana's 309-yard rushing attack was led by Maryland transfer Roman Hemby, who had 23 carries for 110 yards. Kaelon Black also had 92 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries.
The combination reminded me a ton of duo Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton last season for the Hoosiers.
Indiana's defense was hit or miss early on but dominated in the second half.
The defensive responded after allowing a 75-yard touchdown run on the first snap of the game. ODU didn't get pass the 50 yard line after that until garbage time of the game.
Amare Ferrell, Louis Moore and D’Angelo Ponds each had an interceptions while Louis Moore led the Hoosiers with eight tackles.
Had some time to think about the game, win is a win but there’s obviously areas we need to improve in and i know the coaches will get it right. First thing is redzone/goalline offense. Thought defense played great outside of the 2 explosive QB runs. Special teams was great! Can’t…
— Mike Katic (@KaticMichael) August 30, 2025
Indiana and Curt Cignetti take on Dexter Williams II and Kennesaw State next Saturday at 12 p.m.