STWF | STATE COLLEGE, Pa.| Nov. 8, 2025 — It’s Curt Cignetti’s world, and the rest of college football is just trying to keep up.

The second-year head coach’s unflinching confidence was once again validated on Saturday as No. 2 Indiana extended its dream season with a 27–24 road victory over Penn State in front of a raucous crowd at Beaver Stadium. Behind a Heisman-worthy performance from quarterback Fernando Mendoza and a miraculous final-minute touchdown grab from Omar Cooper Jr., the Hoosiers improved to 10–0 overall and 7–0 in Big Ten play, maintaining their grip on the College Football Playoff conversation.

A Signature Win in a Breakout Season

Indiana’s 2025 campaign has been full of statement victories, but none more defining than this one. Facing a hostile environment and a surging Penn State team desperate for a marquee win, the Hoosiers looked every bit the part of a national title contender — resilient, composed, and unshakable when the moment called for greatness.

For Cignetti, whose pregame confidence bordered on defiant, the result was another affirmation of his team’s championship mentality. When FOX’s Jenny Taft asked the coach what concerned him about playing at Beaver Stadium, he famously replied, “Nothing concerns me.”

That bravado nearly came back to haunt him — until his quarterback delivered one of the season’s most breathtaking drives.

The Final Drive: Mendoza’s Heisman Moment

Trailing 24–20 with 1:51 left and no timeouts, Mendoza took the field with 80 yards of green grass — and the weight of Indiana history — ahead of him.

The junior quarterback, who has steadily climbed into Heisman Trophy contention, methodically led the Hoosiers down the field with precision passes and calm leadership. A 22-yard strike to Donaven McCulley on third down kept the drive alive, and a sideline laser to tight end James Bomba moved the ball into the red zone with under 45 seconds to play.

Then came the play.

On 2nd-and-goal from the 7, Mendoza rolled right under heavy pressure and fired toward the back corner of the end zone. Omar Cooper Jr., fully extended, somehow managed to drag his left foot in bounds while hovering his right foot above the end line, securing the touchdown before tumbling out of play.

Officials reviewed the catch for nearly two minutes before confirming the score — sending the Indiana sideline into chaos. The Hoosiers had reclaimed the lead, 27–24, with just 36 seconds left.

“I’ve seen a lot of football,” Cignetti said afterward, his voice cracking with emotion. “But I’ve never seen a play quite like that. Omar just refused to be denied.”

Penn State’s Rally Falls Short

Penn State, which had stormed back from a 20–10 deficit behind running back Nick Singleton’s two fourth-quarter touchdowns, saw its hopes dashed on its final possession. Quarterback Drew Allar’s desperation deep throw with six seconds remaining was intercepted by Indiana safety Jalen Lucas, sealing the Hoosiers’ unbeaten run and silencing the Beaver Stadium crowd.

Singleton finished with 134 rushing yards and two scores, while Allar threw for 228 yards and a touchdown. But it was the Nittany Lions’ defense — one of the Big Ten’s best — that couldn’t contain Mendoza when it mattered most.

Mendoza’s Mastery and Indiana’s Rise

Mendoza finished the night completing 26 of 34 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter. He added 42 yards on the ground and was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week shortly after the final whistle.

“He’s everything you could want in a leader,” Cignetti said. “He’s calm under pressure, he’s confident in the huddle, and he believes — just like this entire team does — that Indiana belongs on the national stage.”

The victory marked Indiana’s first-ever win at Beaver Stadium and cemented the Hoosiers as legitimate playoff contenders, with upcoming games against Purdue and Michigan State closing out their regular season.

The Bigger Picture

Once a perennial Big Ten afterthought, Indiana has emerged as a national powerhouse under Cignetti’s no-nonsense leadership. Since taking over in 2024, the former James Madison coach has rebuilt the Hoosiers with a mix of veteran leadership, fearless play-calling, and unwavering belief.

“This team has never played here,” Cignetti told Taft before kickoff. “This team is special.”

He was right.

With Mendoza commanding the offense and a defense that continues to make timely stops, Indiana is no longer a Cinderella story — they’re a genuine contender with championship DNA.

Up Next

Indiana (10–0, 7–0) will host Purdue next Saturday in the Old Oaken Bucket rivalry game, with a chance to clinch its first outright Big Ten East title in school history. Penn State (7–3, 5–2) will look to rebound on the road against Maryland.