The Indiana Hoosiers, fresh off their historic 16-0 season—the first perfect record in over 130 years—will celebrate their national championship with a White House visit on Monday, May 11.
Landmark Championship Victory
Under head coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers staged a remarkable turnaround, capping it with a 27-21 win over the Miami Hurricanes to claim their first-ever title. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza delivered a standout performance, guiding the team to victory.
White House Honor
This prestigious invitation marks the first time Indiana receives such recognition, a tradition extended to college football champions for decades. The event comes nearly four months after their triumphant season finale.
NFL Draft Success
Mendoza’s excellence earned him the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft. Wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. followed as the 30th overall selection by the New York Jets.
The Hoosiers set a program record with eight players drafted last week:
- D’Angelo Ponds (2nd round, Jets)
- Kaelon Black (3rd round, 49ers)
- Elijah Sarratt (4th round, Ravens)
- Riley Nowakowski (5th round, Steelers)
- Pat Coogan (6th round, Titans)
- Aiden Fisher (7th round, Texans)
Indiana joins Yale’s 1894 squad as only the second team in college football history to finish 16-0 as national champions.
