Curt Cignetti Reloads: Indiana Football Adds 42 Newcomers in Massive 2025 Roster Overhaul
“Hoosiers welcome 19 transfers and 14 early-enrollee freshmen as Cignetti shapes a new era in Bloomington”
Indiana football is undergoing a massive transformation under the leadership of new head coach Curt Cignetti. In just a few short months at the helm, Cignetti has made a bold statement—this is a new era in Bloomington. With the 2025 recruiting class finalized, Indiana has welcomed 42 scholarship newcomers, including 19 transfers and 23 freshmen, 14 of whom are already on campus and participating in spring practice.
The scale and speed of this roster rebuild are almost unheard of, signaling Cignetti’s clear mission: build a team that’s tough, talented, and ultimately unbeatable in the Big Ten.
Transfer Portal: Plug-and-Play Talent
Indiana has aggressively tapped into the transfer portal to bring in ready-to-play talent at key positions. Among the standout additions:
Kahlil Benson (OL, Colorado): A massive presence at 6’6″, 305 lbs who adds versatility and power to the offensive line.
Ryland Gandy (CB, Pittsburgh): A smart, athletic cornerback expected to immediately strengthen the secondary.
Holden Staes (TE, Tennessee): A 6’4″, 248-pound tight end who will give the Hoosiers a reliable target in the passing game.
Louis Moore (S, Ole Miss): A physical, experienced safety who brings SEC toughness to the defensive backfield.
Zen Michalski (OT, Ohio State): A Big Ten-tested lineman ready to anchor the offensive front.
Roman Hemby (RB, Maryland): A dynamic runner who can be a game-changer out of the backfield.
Fernando Mendoza (QB, California): A 6’5″, 225-pound signal caller who will compete for the starting job with a strong arm and high football IQ.
Brendan Franke (K, Texas State): A proven specialist expected to stabilize the kicking game.
These additions reflect Cignetti’s strategy of targeting players who can contribute immediately and bring leadership, toughness, and experience to the locker room.
Freshman Class Brings Promise
While the transfers may headline the class, the incoming freshmen offer plenty of long-term potential. The group is led by:
Byron Baldwin, a four-star safety from Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore, ranked among the top 200 players nationally.
Triston Abram, a highly regarded prospect expected to develop into a key contributor in the near future.
Fourteen freshmen are already on campus, getting a head start on strength and conditioning, playbook learning, and on-field development—an advantage Cignetti is maximizing in spring ball.
Spring Practice: Building a New Identity
Cignetti’s approach to spring practice has been intense, physical, and competitive. He’s instilling a no-nonsense culture built on discipline, accountability, and toughness. With nearly three dozen new players learning the system, the focus has been on mastering fundamentals and building team chemistry.
Defensive coordinator Bryant Haines—one of the highest-paid assistants in college football—has been leading a complete overhaul of the defensive scheme. Early signs point to a faster, more aggressive unit that can pressure quarterbacks and lock down receivers.
Eyes on 2025: A Strong Foundation for the Future
Indiana’s 2025 campaign kicks off on August 30 against Old Dominion, with high-stakes Big Ten battles soon after. It won’t be easy—matchups with Oregon, Penn State, UCLA, and rival Purdue loombut Cignetti isn’t backing down.
“We’re not building for next year—we’re building to compete now, and to win often,” Cignetti said during spring camp.
If his first recruiting class is any indication, the Hoosiers are well on their way. With 42 new faces, revamped schemes, and a fearless leader at the helm, Indiana football is no longer just hoping to be competitive—they’re preparing to dominate.
