This past weekend Indiana University became one of the hottest teams in college football.

IU faced off against Maryland beating them 42-28. For the first time since 1967, IU’s football team has reached 5-0, skyrocketing them to No. 23 on the college football AP poll. The last time IU was ranked was in 2021, with National Championship runner-up QB Michael Penix Jr. 

These wins aren’t a fluke. IU Coach Cignetti has carefully been crafting up this 5-0 team since he got the job. In December, Cignetti brought over 22 transfers, and then by spring he brought more.

Before he got his start as a head coach at IUP, and James Madison he was a wide receiver recruit and coach for Nick Saban’s Alabama team. He helped lead the 2009 Alabama team to a National Title during. He was also a part of the 11-1 James Madison University team last year, which shocked the country, taking them to a bowl game for the first time.

All this success doesn’t just stem from the coaching position. Star QB Kurtis Rourke has pushed this team with having 1,372 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Rourke got recognized for his performance this week against Maryland by receiving the Manning Award. Junior Elijah Sarrat has been part of the team’s success by leading IU in receiving yards, and second in receiving touchdowns.

Looking farther into the season IU will host former national champions, No. 10 Michigan. Following that week the Hoosiers face powerhouse No. 3 Ohio State in their own house. These will be the hardest tests in the BIG10.

The IU football team has high ambitions for the rest of the season no matter the opponent. This weekend IU goes to Northwestern to fight to get their sixth win of the season and continue their undefeated season. It could be an interesting game to watch and to get a glimpse of the temporary lakeside stadium the Wildcats call home this year.