Welp, we are on to the offensive side of things. In past years, this would feel like a chore. However, with just one season under Curt Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan, this is quite a fun place to start. Let’s see what we have poppin’.
2024 Review
The high powered Indiana offense was quite the departure from the Tom Allen, Walt Bell and Nick Sheridan days of old. Indiana led the Big Ten in points per game with 41.3 ppg. They were 6th in passing yards per game with 261 yards per game, 5th in rushing
with 165 yards per game, and 5th in total offense with 426 yards per game.
Departures
The Daily Hoosier did a great job on this topic, so give them a click and read their stuff for even more analysis. (IU football: Position-by-position look at 2025 roster changes (UPDATE – WR Brady added via portal) – The Daily Hoosier)
QB - Kurtis Rourke -> NFL Draft
QB - Tayven Jackson -> Transfer
RB - Justice Ellison -> Out of Eligibility
RB - Ty Son Lawton -> Out of Eligibility
RB - Elijah Green -> Transfer
WR - Myles Price -> Out of Eligibility
WR - Ke’Shawn Williams -> Out of Eligibility
WR - Miles Cross -> Out of Eligibility
WR - Andison Coby -> Out of Eligibility
WR - Donaven McCulley -> Transfer
TE - Zach Horton -> Out of Eligibility
TE - Trey Walker -> Out of Eligibility
TE - Brody Kosin -> Transfer
TE - Brody Foley -> Transfer
TE - Sam West -> Transfer
OL - Mike Katic -> Out of Eligibility
OL - Trey Wedig -> Out of Eligibility
OL - Tyler Stephens -> Out of Eligibility
OL - Nick Kidwell -> Out of Eligibility
OL - Cooper Jones -> Out of Eligibility
OL - Noah Bolticoff -> Transfer
OL - Vinny Fiacable -> Transfer
OL - Austin Barrett -> Transfer
In total, I count 9 offensive transfers out from the Hoosiers. The most recognizable two names on the list are QB Tayven Jackson and WR Donaven McCulley. Jackson was a prized transfer for Tom Allen prior to the 2023 season. Jackson spent half of 2023 as the starter before being banished back to the bench for future transfer Brendan Sorsby. In his time at Indiana, Jackson just never really took off the way many hoped, though he did provide some fireworks with his start against Louisville in 2023 and he filled in for Kurtis Rourke against Nebraska and Washington and appeared in quite a few games this season.
McCulley is a name that has disappeared into the night after the successes of Indiana last season. McCulley came in as a highly touted prospect for Tom Allen and had a really decent year in 2023. However, due to injuries and perhaps some meshing issues with the new coaching staff, McCulley never really came through last season and decided midstream to enter the portal. He transfers to Michigan.
Of course there is the standard Kurtis Rourke, TySon Lawton, Justice Ellison, etc are out of eligibility. The seniors will be deeply missed.
Additions
Fernando Mendoza -> Cal
Roman Hemby -> Maryland
Pat Coogan -> Notre Dame
Kahlil Benson -> Colorado, but also Indiana
While there are more incoming transfers than these 4, these are the 4 I’d keep my eye on the most offensively. Coogan and Benson should be plug and play starters in some form or fashion. Benson actually transferred from Indiana to Colorado a couple seasons ago. Roman Hemby is a fantastic addition to the backfield and I loved watching him play at Maryland.
Fernando Mendoza is the center stone of this transfer class. The coveted QB out of Cal and brother of Indiana backup Alberto Mendoza, Fernando looks like he is in position to have a Kurtis Rourke type season. Mendoza is already on NFL scouts radars and if he stays healthy, he could have a monster year.
Outlook
I mean the Indiana Hoosiers are primed for another good year. While I’d shy away from saying they’ll be in the CFP again, they should challenge for 9 wins. The offense is one of the main reasons why.
Can you tell that Buff mailed in the back half of this article because he’s paying tribute to the mouse in Orlando? Give us your thoughts on the Indiana offense down below!
