Indiana Stuns Ohio State to Claim Historic Big Ten Title

Indiana football delivered one of the most significant upsets in program history Saturday night, defeating top-ranked Ohio State 13–10 in the Big Ten Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium. The victory secured the Hoosiers’ first conference title since 1967 and likely earned them the No. 1 overall seed in the College Football Playoff. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza played a defining role in the win, making critical throws under pressure and earning the game’s Most Valuable Player honors. His 17-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt early in the third quarter proved to be the deciding score, as Indiana’s defense shut down the Buckeyes the rest of the way. The Hoosiers improved to 13–0, completing the best season in school history. Indiana also ended a 30-game losing streak against Ohio State that dated back to 1988 and snapped the Buckeyes’ 16-game winning streak. A key moment came late in the fourth quarter when Mendoza connected with Charlie Becker on a 33-yard pass on third down, allowing Indiana to run out the clock. Becker finished with six receptions for 126 yards.

Ohio State, now 12–1, had multiple chances to regain the lead. A fourth-and-one attempt from the Indiana five-yard line in the third quarter was overturned after replay review, and a potential game-tying 29-yard field goal missed wide left with less than three minutes remaining. Despite the loss, the Buckeyes are still expected to receive a high playoff seed as defending national champions. Both teams’ quarterbacks, considered Heisman Trophy contenders, delivered solid but imperfect performances. Mendoza threw for 222 yards with one touchdown and one interception after briefly leaving the game due to injury. Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin passed for 258 yards, also with one touchdown and one interception.

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti credited his team’s discipline and defensive toughness, emphasizing that the Hoosiers are no longer content to play a supporting role in college football. With momentum, confidence, and history on their side, Indiana now turns its focus to the College Football Playoff, standing closer than ever to a national championship opportunity.