January 30, 2026
Mr. Young (for himself and Mr. Banks) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
Congratulating the Indiana University Hoosiers football team for winning the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship and completing an undefeated 16–0 season.
Whereas, on January 19, 2026, the Indiana University Hoosiers football team (referred to in this preamble as the Indiana Hoosiers
) won their first national championship with a 27 to 21 victory over the 10-seeded University of Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship;
Whereas head coach Curt Cignetti led the Indiana Hoosiers to a national championship in his second year as head coach, completing one of the most remarkable program turnarounds in all American sports;
Whereas quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed 16 of 27 passes for 186 yards and scored the game-clinching touchdown on a fourth quarter run, earning the title of Offensive Most Valuable Player;
Whereas defensive lineman Mikail Kamara recorded 4 tackles and blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown, earning the title of Defensive Most Valuable Player;
Whereas this championship follows victories in the Big Ten Conference Championship Game and the historic Rose Bowl and Peach Bowl;
Whereas the Indiana Hoosiers became the first college football team in modern history to finish a season with a perfect record of 16 wins and 0 losses;
Whereas the Indiana Hoosiers defeated 4 top 10-ranked opponents en route to the national championship;
Whereas the Indiana Hoosiers were recognized as the number 1 team in the country by the Associated Press college football poll for the first time in school history;
Whereas quarterback Fernando Mendoza was recognized as a consensus All-American and awarded the 2025 Heisman Trophy, becoming the first Indiana Hoosier to receive college football’s highest honor;
Whereas offensive lineman Carter Smith was named the top offensive lineman in the Big Ten Conference and recognized as a consensus All-American;
Whereas the Indiana Hoosiers offense led the Nation in scoring;
Whereas the Indiana Hoosiers defense was among the most dominant in the country, allowing only 56 points across 4 post-season games;
Whereas the Indiana University Marching Hundred, cheerleaders, students, faculty, alumni, and fans worldwide have supported the football team through a triumphant season; and
Whereas this self-described team of misfits
inspired Hoosiers throughout their incredible season and made the entire State of Indiana deeply proud: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
(1)
congratulates the Indiana University Hoosiers football team for winning the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship;
(2)
recognizes the players, coaches, and staff whose hard work led to the championship; and
(3)
respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate prepare an official copy of this resolution for presentation to—
(A)
the President of Indiana University, Pamela Whitten;
(B)
the athletic director of Indiana University, Scott Dolson; and
(C)
the head coach of the Indiana University football team, Curt Cignetti.