The Indiana Hoosiers football team returned to Indianapolis on January 20, 2026, triumphantly bringing back a prestigious national championship trophy after a historic season. The team landed on a United charter flight, and as dusk settled over the city, players disembarked to begin their journey back to Bloomington. While some embraced the chilly Indiana weather dressed in shorts and casual attire, others wrapped themselves in warmer gear.
Leading the celebration was starting quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who showcased his relaxed style with gold headphones and shorts upon exiting the flight. Less than a day after clinching the program’s first national championship with an impressive perfect record of 16-0, head coach Curt Cignetti—known for his stoic demeanor—offered a rare smile and a wave to local media as he headed to the team bus.
Even though there was no iconic trophy lift as they arrived, fans eagerly awaited the team’s return. A group of dedicated supporters utilized flight tracking to follow the Hoosiers, braving the wintry conditions outside the airport’s private charter terminal to catch a glimpse of the celebrated athletes.
Among the fans were Karen and Mel Fletcher from Greenwood, who have three children who graduated from IU. They expressed immense pride and excitement for the team and its accomplishments. “It was a great team, a great bunch of guys. Fantastic coach. And they did it,” Karen Fletcher stated as the motorcade passed. Their anticipation of witnessing a championship win had spanned decades, illustrating the deep-rooted passion and loyalty of IU fans.
The celebrations are expected to continue in Bloomington, where the community is set to honor the Hoosiers’ remarkable achievement and the joy it has brought to the university and its supporters.