IU Football Faces National Title Game with Focus and Determination

As Indiana University prepares for the national championship game against Miami, the team remains focused and determined. Senior tight end Riley Nowakowski has emphasized the importance of blocking out external distractions. With the championship looming, the team maintains a steadfast mindset: treating it as just another game.

Focus and Determination in Championship Preparation

Head coach Curt Cignetti has instilled a philosophy in the Hoosiers: the most important game is always the next one. No matter the opponent—whether Kennesaw State or Ohio State—the team has prepared as if each game were a national championship. This approach has proven effective as they enter the national title match.

Cignetti’s Leadership

• Coach Curt Cignetti emphasizes character in his roster selection.
• His coaching philosophy encourages players to ignore outside influences.
• Players display trust in his experience and strategy.

Nowakowski, along with captains Pat Coogan, Aiden Fisher, and Elijah Sarratt, exemplifies the team’s collective mindset. Cignetti’s focus on character has fostered a cohesive unit that operates effectively on and off the field.

Players’ Insights on Game Preparation

Coogan, a transfer from Notre Dame, brings valuable experience as a former national championship runner-up. He understands the impact of mindset on performance. Fisher reinforces this sentiment, stating that players respect Cignetti’s approach to preparation.

Indiana Hoosiers in the National Spotlight

The Hoosiers have captured national attention throughout the season, with only one game away from realizing their championship aspirations. Their playoff games drew record-breaking viewership, with the Rose Bowl averaging 23.9 million viewers—the highest audience in the 12-team College Football Playoff era. This level of visibility has solidified Indiana’s status as must-see television.

Preparation Continues Uninterrupted

• Sarratt’s commitment includes catching 100 passes after practice.
• The team maintains its routine ahead of the championship.
• Despite increased visibility, players focus on their preparation.

As the Hoosiers depart from Indianapolis International Airport, they remain unified and resolute. The upcoming matchup represents the culmination of their successful 2025 campaign, with the potential to change the narrative within the program. The outcome will determine the legacy of this historic season for Indiana football.