The Indiana Hoosiers have taken the college football world by storm in the 2024 season. They emerged as a powerhouse under the guidance of head coach Curt Cignetti. With a perfect 10-0 record, Indiana is now gearing up for its biggest challenge yet, a showdown against the No. 2 ranked Ohio State.
The rapid ascent of this team can be attributed to the strategic maneuvers made by Cignetti. He has a storied history of turning programs around, dating back to his tenure at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Cignetti’s remarkable success this season has positioned him as a frontrunner for the college football coach of the year award.
A significant factor in Indiana’s success has been Cignetti’s adept use of the transfer portal to revamp the team’s roster. In his first season with the Hoosiers, Cignetti brought in an impressive 31 transfers, including 13 players who previously played under him at James Madison University (JMU).
These players have not only filled key positions but have also brought a winning mentality to the team. Let’s delve deeper into how Cignetti’s transfer strategy has paid off and examine the standout performances of these players.
Indiana’s Transfer Portal Strategy
The transfer portal has become an essential tool for college football coaches looking to build competitive teams quickly. For Cignetti, it was a game-changer. Ahead of the 2024 season, he strategically added 31 transfers to the Indiana roster, with 13 of them being former JMU players.
This influx of talent has been instrumental in Indiana’s undefeated run so far.
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Among the notable JMU transfers are:
- Running back Solomon Vanhorse
- Wide receiver Elijah Sarratt
- Offensive lineman Nick Kidwell
- Tight end Zach Horton
- Running back Kaelon Black
- Offensive lineman Tyler Stephens
- Running back Ty Son Lawton
- Cornerback D’Angelo Ponds
- Defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker
- Linebacker Aiden Fisher
- Linebacker Jailin Walker
- Defensive lineman James Carpenter
- Defensive lineman Mikail Kamara
These players have not only filled gaps in the roster but have also emerged as key contributors on both sides of the ball.
Offensive Standouts
On the offensive front, several former JMU players have made significant impacts:
- Ty Son Lawton is second on the team in rushing yards, amassing 508 yards and nine touchdowns.
- Kaelon Black has contributed 217 yards and two touchdowns.
- Elijah Sarratt leads the Hoosiers with 685 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
- Tyler Stephens has been a reliable presence on the offensive line, stepping up due to an injury to Drew Evans.
- Solomon Vanhorse has excelled as Indiana’s leading kick returner.
Defensive Leaders
Defensively, the former JMU players have been equally impressive:
- Aiden Fisher and Jailin Walker have combined for 157 total tackles and nine passes defended, with Walker also forcing a fumble.
- D’Angelo Ponds is fourth on the team in tackles with 45 stops and two interceptions.
- Mikail Kamara leads the team with 9.5 sacks for 73 yards.
Beyond JMU Transfers
Cignetti’s success with the transfer portal isn’t limited to former JMU players. He has also brought in talent from other programs to bolster the roster:
- Kurtis Rourke, the starting quarterback, transferred from Ohio and has thrown for 2,410 yards with 21 touchdowns and four interceptions.
- Justice Ellison, the starting running back from Wake Forest, leads the team with 686 yards and nine touchdowns.
- Myles Price, a receiver from Texas Tech, has contributed 377 yards and two touchdowns.
- Shawn Asbury, a safety from Old Dominion, has recorded 54 total tackles and an interception.
Building a Winning Culture
Cignetti has emphasized the importance of bringing in players who are accustomed to winning and have a strong belief in the program. As he noted in July, *We have a lot of experience on our team. We have a lot of guys that have played winning football that have good career production numbers multiple years, and we’ve got a good core group of guys that are accustomed to winning and are used to winning.*
This winning mentality has been crucial in transforming Indiana into a formidable contender in college football. The Hoosiers’ 2024 depth chart, featuring several former JMU players in key positions, reflects the success of Cignetti’s strategy.
Looking Ahead
As Indiana prepares for its highly anticipated matchup against Ohio State, the big test for Cignetti will be maintaining this level of success in the years to come.
Recruiting at a high level without the benefit of former players to choose from will be a challenge, but Cignetti’s track record suggests he is more than capable of meeting it.
Indiana’s 2025 recruiting class currently ranks 39th overall and 13th in the Big Ten, indicating that the foundation for sustained success is being laid.
With Cignetti at the helm and a roster brimming with talent and experience, the future looks bright for the Hoosiers.
For more insights on Indiana’s remarkable season and the impact of Curt Cignetti’s coaching, visit Sporting News.
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