Cignetti Keeps Hoosiers Locked In: “Rip Off the Rearview Mirror”

Bloomington, IN — After another hard-fought Big Ten victory, Indiana Football Head Coach Curt Cignetti didn’t waste any time turning the page.
“Rip off the rearview mirror,” he told reporters Monday. “It’s all about Michigan State now.”

That blunt message captures the heartbeat of this 2025 Indiana Hoosiers Football team—focused, hungry, and built on discipline. The Hoosiers have met every challenge so far under Cignetti’s no-nonsense blueprint: prepare properly, eliminate the noise, and earn everything on the field.

Responding to Adversity

The coach praised quarterback Fernando Mendoza for bouncing back after a costly pick-six.
“He overcame adversity,” Cignetti said. “His teammates rallied around him and we came back with a nine-play, 75-yard drive.”

Indiana answered every punch, matching opponents with timely drives and a clutch two-minute sequence that ended in a 58-yard field goal before halftime. Cignetti credited all three phases—offense, defense, and special teams—for the composure and execution that have become the team’s identity.

Defensive Dominance

Indiana’s defense, led by coordinator Bryant Haines, continues to cause havoc.
“TFLs, sacks, two interceptions, only three points allowed in the second half,” Cignetti rattled off proudly. “Our front seven’s been tremendous.”

He credited line coaches Pat Kuntz and Buddha Williams for the group’s development and highlighted the emergence of Wyatt, Landino, and Tucker Wheeler up front. “They’re productive, versatile, and they’ve earned it. But what we did yesterday doesn’t mean squat—next week’s news depends on what we do today.”

New Faces Making Noise

Cignetti singled out Isaiah Jones as a perfect example of player development in Bloomington.
“He’s a great teammate, great leader,” he said. “He’s stayed healthy, gotten stronger, learned the system—and now he’s playing his best football.”

The coach also raved about running back Roman Hemby, a Maryland transfer who has powered the ground game.
“Roman’s a warrior,” Cignetti said. “He’s physical, fast, smart, and durable. You can give him the ball and trust him.”

The Culture Behind the Climb

Asked about the team’s “humble and hungry” mentality, Cignetti pointed to leadership and shared purpose.
“We’ve got strong character on this football team,” he said. “Team goals supersede individual goals. When you prepare the right way, that hunger takes care of itself.”

Veterans from his JMU days helped set the tone last year, but this season’s mix of transfers and returners has embraced the standard. “They’re smart, they make good choices, and they love to play football,” Cignetti added.

Staying Sharp for Michigan State

Cignetti knows the next test looms large. Michigan State enters Bloomington with talent and frustration after a pair of close losses.
“This game gives you nothing—you have to earn everything,” he said. “We have to stack days: great meetings, great practices, then put it on the field Saturday.”

The Hoosiers’ mindset is clear. As Cignetti reminded the room, “We’re in a production-oriented business. You get out what you put in.”