Indiana Q&A with Hoosier Huddle

Hoosier Huddle is an alumni run Indiana Hooisers podcast. You can find Hoosier Huddle on twitter/x @Hoosier_Huddle and you can visit their website here. The fellas from Hoosier Huddle were kind enough to answer some questions about the Pirates ahead of kickoff this week. 

Please give us some background to your podcast Hoosier Huddle and how you got started.

Hoosier Huddle was founded in 2013 by Sammy Jacobs and Lloyd Ribner. Their goal was to enhance the coverage of Indiana football as an independent site. Since then Hoosier Huddle has evolved, as we now cover all of IU sports.

Hoosier Huddle is your home for in-depth, passionate, and respectful coverage of Indiana University athletics. From the roar of Memorial Stadium to the electric atmosphere of Assembly Hall, we bring together IU fans from across the country—and around the world—to celebrate everything Crimson and Cream.

HoosierHuddle.com is more than just a sports forum—it’s a community. We provide a space to discuss breaking news, game-day analysis, recruiting, and the rich history of Hoosier sports, all while maintaining a respectful and welcoming environment.
Whether you’re a lifelong IU supporter, you’ll find your voice here. A student might be discovering the magic of Bloomington for the first time. Or perhaps you’re just someone who loves college sports done right.

After an amazing season in 2024, looking back, have you adjusted to this new normal of expected success under Coach Cignetti?

We have covered the program with the same philosophy whether IU wins 10 games or loses 10 games. We have always gone into a season with excitement. The difference now is that you have some stability at the top. 

How has the offseason gone for Indiana and what are your expectations for this season?

The offseason has gone well. IU has stayed relatively healthy and will get some players back from injuries that should be high impact in 2025. The Hoosiers were very successful in the transfer portal as well.

The expectations for the season are to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff and at the very least make the postseason.

On both sides of the ball, what position groups are you most confident in?

There is a lot of confidence in nearly every position on the field. IU beefed up their offensive line with the additions of Pat Coogan (Notre Dame), Zen Mikalski (Ohio State) and Kahlil Benson (Colorado). They get Drew Evans back from injury and return Carter Smith and Bray Lynch who could be All-Big Ten selections.

On defense IU returns an All-American at each level.

On both sides of the ball, what position groups are you most concerned about?

The only position groups I am really concerned about is depth at linebacker and maybe at quarterback. 

Moving into Coach Cignetti’s second year as head coach, what team identity have they formed?

They are tough, smart and relentless. They will play all 60 minutes and just lean on opponents.

Given this is the season opener, is there one specific facet you want to see from Indiana in this game?

I want to see how quarterback Fernando Mendoza looks in this offense. Can he process defenses as well as Kurtis Rourke did last year.

What’s your prediction for the game?

41-20 Indiana

Finally, any advice or tips for Old Dominion fans making the trip to Bloomington?

Bloomington is a great college town. If you are in town Friday night, hit up Kirkwood Avenue or the square. Nick’s is a unique bar with good food and drinks. I also recommend playing Sink the Biz there as well.

If you are in the younger crowd, head to Upstairs Pub. There’s never a cover and they have a great outdoor patio.

On gameday, if you are not tailgating I would go to Heartwork Brewing. It’s within walking distance of Memorial Stadium and has craft beers and pretty good neapolitan pizza.

If you are tailgating, I would recommend getting set up early. Lots open at 8am. 

Thanks again to the fellas at Hoosier Huddle for educating us a bit on their Indiana Hoosiers. Make sure to check out their game preview where Aaron and Mike did their best to help return the favor for our Monarchs.