Over 250 days have passed since Indiana last looked across the field at a different colored jersey. Within those 250 days, much has changed. The roster is revamped. The schedule poses a new challenge. The fans are eager. The Indiana team that many considered an underdog is no more.
“We have a target on our back,” Indiana linebacker Aiden Fisher said.
Throughout spring and fall camp, Indiana prepared for the test that awaits them. Ahead of the Hoosiers’ week one matchup against Old Dominion on Saturday, the preparation has intensified.
“Camp is important,” Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti said Monday. “You're establishing the habits that they're going to carry you through the season, installing, developing players, learning about your team. Now it's time to go to war. It's serious business now.”
Despite Saturday’s matchup being the first between Indiana and Old Dominion, the Monarchs are no stranger to those in the Indiana program with James Madison roots. Cignetti coached against the Old Dominion twice at James Madison defeating them 30-27 in 2023 and 37-3 in 2022.
Five current Hoosiers played a big role in the 2023 affair. Elijah Sarratt hauled in eight receptions for 139 yards and a touchdown. Kaelon Black racked up 63 total yards. Fisher made 12 tackles with half a sack. D’Angelo Ponds made seven tackles and broke up two passes. Mikail Kamara had seven tackles and a sack.
Despite the success, if there is one thing Cignetti has made clear about Old Dominion, it is to not overlook the pesky Sun Belt Conference team. As a former member of the Sun Belt himself, Cignetti tabbed the week one matchup as no simple task.
“All but one of Old Dominion's losses last year were by one score or less,” Cignetti said. “Like I've told you in the past, they've beaten Virginia Tech twice in recent history, so we've got to be ready to go.”
The Monarchs adopt a spread offense, featured by dual-threat quarterback Colton Joseph. Joseph, a redshirt sophomore from Newport Beach, California, played in nine games in 2024, completing 133 of 222 passes for 1,627 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also rushed for 647 yards on 114 carries and 11 touchdowns. An experienced offensive line protects Joseph, but he is surrounded by a young and inexperienced group of skill position players. Na’eem Abdul-Raheem Gladding is the only returning Monarch to catch a pass in 2024 and leading rusher Aaron Young ran out of eligibility.
“They’re going to come out, they’re going to be quick. They’re going to be fast,” Fisher said. “We’re just going to need to match the tempo and kind of make sure we stay on top of things.”
Defensively, the Monarchs run a 3-3-5 scheme, led by Jason Henderson, an All-American linebacker who led the country in tackles per game in 2022 and 2023. Henderson redshirted in 2024 due to an injury. Henderson looks to lead the charge against a reloaded Indiana offense that is searching for chemistry early in the season.
Saturday marks many firsts for Indiana football. It marks the first game for new faces such as quarterback Fernando Mendoza and center Pat Coogan. It marks the return of the beloved bison mascot, who will make his presence felt to the 50,000 fans expected. It marks the first time Indiana defends a College Football Playoff berth with the goal or returning back for more.
“I’ve never been more excited about this season,” Indiana left tackle Carter Smith said. “You know, last year, (there were) a lot of high hopes, and we really delivered. I hope we can do the same thing again this year.”
The Hoosiers and Monarchs will kick off at 2:30 p.m. EST at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium. Noah Reed (play-by-play) and Robert Smith (analyst) will have the call on FS1. Don Fischer (play-by-play) and Buck Suhr (analyst) will have the radio call on the Indiana Hoosier Sports Network.
