Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium sits empty on E. 17th Street following the final Indiana home game of the 2025 campaign.
In all likelihood, fans in Bloomington have packed The Rock for the final time this season. Ushers have handed out their final towel. Concession workers have wrapped their final hot dog. Coaches have called their last play. Players have played their final snap.
For each of the seven home games this season, they all went home happy after an Indiana win.
As the No. 2 Hoosiers ran off their home field after a 31-7 win over Wisconsin on Saturday, the moment signified one of the many impending endings in this chapter of one of the greatest turnarounds in sports history.
In this moment, Indiana players and coaches managed to do something they have always struggled to do: reflect.
“It’s really hard for me to step back sometimes and think about what we’ve accomplished here,” Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti said postgame.
Indiana has accomplished something it has never done before. Its 11-0 start is the best in program history, beating last season’s 10-0 mark. It has sold out every home conference game the past two seasons. Cignetti is 15-0 at home across his two seasons and 22-2 overall with the Hoosiers.
Indiana fans recognize how special this foundational group of coaches and players have been by showing up every Saturday. As seniors such as star linebacker Aiden Fisher exited the field for the final time, the feeling was especially reciprocated.
“This place is special and I think it’s the people that make it,” Fisher said. “Just jogging off and hearing the things people are saying, chants and whatnot, just kind of makes you appreciate it. I don’t think I really do that enough in my life where I stop for a second and appreciate things.”
Fisher was one of more than 20 players honored before the game as part of senior day festivities. He, along with fellow JMU transfers Elijah Sarratt and Mikail Kamara, never lost at home with the Hoosiers. These foundational pieces helped set the stage for what Indiana football has been and can become under Cignetti.
It was also a special day for Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The Heisman favorite strengthened his campaign once again, finishing 22 of 24 passing for 299 yards and four touchdowns. His final pass of the day, also effectively his final pass in Bloomington, set the new single-season touchdown pass record as his 30th of the year. It beats Kurtis Rourke’s mark of 29 last season.
Chants of “Heismendoza” broke out once again. National media showcased his performance. Young fans asked for photos and autographs following the game. He has seen and experienced that week after week. There was one thing he made sure to do differently on Saturday.
Like many others, Mendoza took time to appreciate his surroundings.
“This was the first game I saw where my family sits,” Mendoza said. “When I was able to see them it gave me an overwhelming sense of emotion. I’m so proud to play for them, because they’re my why, especially my mom. They’re my why, and to see that is so special for me and it helps me get ready for the game and put my best ability forward.”
Everyone involved in the past two years of Indiana football has made an unforgettable impact on the university, the community and the college football world. Saturday’s game provided the opportunity for Cignetti and his players to come to the realization of how much Indiana football has meant to them.
“It’s been fun, and let’s have more fun,” Cignetti said.
While Indiana has likely played its last home game in 2025, there is a long road ahead. The Hoosiers will have a much needed bye week next week ahead of the 100th Old Oaken Bucket game on Nov. 28 in West Lafayette to round out the regular season.
