Indiana Hoosiers to Visit White House on May 11 to Celebrate First Football National Championship

Key facts

• Indiana Hoosiers won their first football national championship on Jan. 19, defeating Miami 27-21 at Hard Rock Stadium.
• The team finished the 2025 season with a 16-0 record, winning the College Football Playoff title.
• Starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and was drafted first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.
• The White House visit is scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2025.
• Eight Hoosiers players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, and six others signed as undrafted free agents.
• Indiana aims to bring back as many players as possible for the ceremony.
• The Hoosiers have five national championships in men's basketball, but this is their first in football.

A Historic Visit for a Historic Season

The Indiana Hoosiers football team, national champions for the first time in program history, will visit the White House on May 11 to celebrate their undefeated 2025 season. The team went 16-0, culminating in a 27-21 victory over the University of Miami on Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The visit continues a tradition of championship-winning teams meeting the President. Indiana became the first college basketball champion to visit the White House in 1976, and Alabama was the first football program to do so in 1961. The last football team to make the trip was Ohio State, on April 14, 2025.

Heisman Winner and No. 1 Draft Pick Lead the Hoosiers

Starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza was the driving force behind Indiana's historic season, winning the Heisman Trophy before being selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft. His leadership and performance were instrumental in the Hoosiers' perfect campaign. Mendoza's journey from college star to professional quarterback mirrors the team's rapid ascent. The Hoosiers, long overshadowed by their storied men's basketball program, now have a football championship to match their five basketball titles.

Championship Roster Scattered Across the NFL

The Hoosiers' championship roster has already dispersed significantly, with eight players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft and six others signing as undrafted free agents. This dispersal presents a logistical challenge for Indiana as it attempts to gather as many players as possible for the White House ceremony. Despite the geographic spread, the university is committed to reuniting the team for the May 11 event. The visit will serve as a final celebration of a season that brought unprecedented glory to Bloomington.

A First for Indiana Football

Indiana's national championship is the first in football for the university, which has long been known for its basketball success. The Hoosiers have won five men's basketball national titles, but the football program had never reached the pinnacle of the sport until this season. The 16-0 record is a testament to the team's dominance, and the victory over Miami capped a season that will be remembered as a turning point for Indiana football. The White House visit solidifies the team's place in history.

Tradition of Presidential Recognition

The White House visit continues a longstanding tradition of honoring national championship teams. Alabama was the first college football champion to visit in 1961, and Indiana itself made history in 1976 as the first college basketball champion to be received at the White House. Ohio State's football team was the most recent visitor, attending on April 14, 2025. The Hoosiers' visit on May 11 will add another chapter to this tradition, recognizing a team that achieved perfection.

What Comes Next for the Hoosiers

With the championship secured and the White House visit approaching, Indiana football looks to build on its success. The program has gained national attention and recruiting momentum, but replacing a Heisman-winning quarterback and numerous NFL-bound players will be a challenge. The university will aim to leverage this historic season to attract top talent and sustain its newfound competitiveness. For now, the focus is on reuniting the championship team for one last celebration in Washington, D.C.

The bottom line

• Indiana's first football national championship came with a perfect 16-0 season, ending with a 27-21 win over Miami.
• Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, drafted first overall by the Raiders, was the team's standout player.
• The White House visit on May 11 continues a tradition for championship teams, with Indiana previously visiting as basketball champions in 1976.
• Eight Hoosiers were drafted and six signed as free agents, making player reunification a key logistical effort.
• The championship marks a historic achievement for a program long in the shadow of Indiana's basketball success.