IU fans celebrate the 'greatest team in the history of college football'
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BLOOMINGTON — Is Indiana football the greatest team ever?
The school’s athletic director Scott Dolson shared his thoughts during the team’s “Championship Celebration” on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. The Hoosiers opened the week by winning their first title with a 27-21 win over Miami.
They were the first modern football team to go a perfect 16-0.
“I say to everybody, look at these players today,” Dolson told a crowd of 10,000-plus fans. “Future generations are going to honor these players as the greatest team in the history of college football. This team right here.”
Dolson spoke from a stage set up in the south end zone.
“Words can’t adequately express how much we appreciate all you’ve done,” Dolson said of the team. “It’s not just that you’ve won, but you’ve won every game with class and humility. You represented the university in the best possible way. We can’t thank you enough.”
Indiana president Pam Whitten, coach Curt Cignetti, and various players, including quarterback Fernando Mendoza and offensive lineman Pat Coogan all addressed the crowd. The fans in attendance were even treated to a brief performance from John Mellencamp of his hit song, “Hurts So Good.”
The lifelong IU fan made a donation nearly three decades ago that helped the university build the football team’s indoor practice facility that bears his name.
Mellencamp encouraged the players on the dais to step up to the mic and take a turn singing the song by themselves.
Indiana fans braved the freezing cold temperatures on Saturday and everyone who spoke made sure to mention how important their support was throughout the season.
“What about that turn out at the Rose Bowl, Peach Bowl and in Miami?” Cignetti said. “Unbelievable.”
Cignetti kept his remarks brief — he told fans that the 2025 teams was made up of “so much of the right stuff” — but made sure to note he’s already got his eyes on the future.
“Chapter three begins tomorrow,” Cignetti said with a smile.”
Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Indiana football fans gather at Memorial Stadium to celebrate
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