No. 20 Indiana Looks to Build Off Successful 2024 in Season Opener vs. ODU

The Indiana Hoosiers enter 2025 carrying the weight of newfound expectations. Last season was the most successful in program history, with Curt Cignetti guiding Indiana to an 11-win campaign, eight victories in Big Ten play, and the school’s first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. It was the kind of season that redefined the standard in Bloomington. But Cignetti has been quick to stress that the past is just a foundation, not a guarantee. “You’re establishing the habits that are going to carry you through the season,” he said this week. “Installing, developing players and learning about your team. Now it’s time to go to war. It’s serious business now.” With so many new starters stepping into key roles, Saturday’s opener against Old Dominion will provide an early glimpse at whether Indiana can continue its upward trajectory.

A new leader under center

Perhaps the biggest change comes at quarterback. With the departure of veteran leadership from last year’s roster, Indiana turned to the transfer portal, landing Cal product Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza threw for over 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024 while starting 11 games for the Golden Bears, showing the accuracy and toughness that Cignetti hopes will translate to the Big Ten. Mendoza inherits a system built on efficiency and ball security, with the coaching staff emphasizing decision-making as the key to maintaining Indiana’s offensive balance.

The backfield also looks different, with the loss of Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton leaving a void. Transfers Roman Hemby from Maryland and Lee Beebe Jr. from UAB will share the workload with Kaelon Black, who played under Cignetti at James Madison. Hemby brings the most experience, having started 38 games across four seasons at Maryland, including a memorable 2024 performance against Indiana in which he scored both a rushing and receiving touchdown.

Indiana offensive newcomers

Old Dominion aiming to upset

The Old Dominion Monarchs come into this matchup with far less fanfare but plenty of motivation. Ricky Rahne’s squad finished 5-7 in 2024, highlighted by a near-upset of South Carolina in last year’s opener, a 23-19 loss that Rahne believes showed his program can go toe-to-toe with Power Four opponents. “Our guys want to play in these environments because this is what college football’s about,” Rahne said. “When you’re a little kid in the backyard and you’re throwing or catching a game-winning touchdown pass, that’s the environment you imagine.”

Game Day Domination

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The Monarchs return quarterback Colton Joseph, who passed for more than 2,400 yards last season while adding 11 touchdowns on the ground. His dual-threat ability earned him a spot on the Manning Award watch list and makes him the type of playmaker who could trouble Indiana’s defense if he finds rhythm early. Wide receiver Ted Hurst also returns after posting 961 yards and nine touchdowns, giving ODU a proven go-to target.

Old Dominion offensive leaders (2024)

Building the right mindset

For Cignetti, this opener is as much about Indiana’s mentality as its execution. He reminded players of Old Dominion’s near-upset in Columbia last fall, underscoring that preparation and focus matter regardless of the opponent. “It’s all about us and our preparation, having the right mindset, and going out there and playing our brand of ball with a bunch of new faces,” Cignetti said. The Hoosiers are relatively healthy heading into Week 1, with only minor camp injuries impacting rotations. That stability should allow Indiana to get a clear look at how its revamped offense and defense operate in live action.

For fans tracking the lines, NCAAF scores & odds list Indiana as a strong home favorite. Analysts at NCAAF picks expect the Hoosiers’ talent advantage to shine, though the NCAAF expert betting guide stresses that early-season mismatches can still produce surprises when underdogs bring stability at quarterback.

Conclusion

Indiana’s 2024 season set a new bar for the program, but now comes the harder part — proving it wasn’t a one-year surge. With Fernando Mendoza stepping in at quarterback and a reshuffled backfield led by Roman Hemby, the Hoosiers will be tested immediately in their opener. Old Dominion, meanwhile, comes in with little pressure, a proven dual-threat quarterback, and the motivation of playing on a national stage. For Indiana, this game is about setting the tone and showing that last season’s success was just the beginning of a new era in Bloomington.